Music Therapy used with In-patients with Schizophrenia

http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/189/5/405.full.pdf+html
British Journal of Psychiatry, 2006, 189, 405-409.
Music Therapy with for In-Patients with Schizophrenia.
NAKUL TALWAR, MIKE J. CRAWFORD, ANNA MARATOS, ULA NUR, ORII McDERMOTT and SIMON PROCTER
Abstract:
Background:Music therapy may provide a means of improving mental provide a means of improving mental health among people with schizophrenia, but its effectsin acute psychoses have not been explored.
Aims: To examine the feasibility of a randomised trial of music therapy for in-patients with schizophrenia, and explore its effects on mental health.
Method: Up to 12 weeks of individual music therapy plus standard care were compared with standard care alone. Masked assessments of mental health, global functioning and satisfaction with care were conducted at 3 months.
Results: Of 115 eligible patients 81(70%) were randomised. Two-thirds of (70%) were randomised. Two-thirds of those randomised to music therapy attended at least four sessions (median attended atleastfour sessions (median attendance, eight sessions).Multivariate analysis demonstrated a trend towards improved symptom scores among those randomised to music therapy, especially in general symptoms of schizophrenia.
Conclusions: A randomised trial of music therapy for in-patients with
schizophrenia is feasible.The effects and cost-effectiveness of music therapy for acute psychosis should be further explored in an explanatory randomised trial.
Keywords: Music Therapy, Schizophrenia, Psychosis