LONDON, Feb 29, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- While studies don't show a
cause-and-effect relationship between music therapy and improvement in
depression, a British review found a positive correlation.
Lead author Anna Maratos, head of arts therapies at the Central and Northwest
London NHS Foundation Trust, and colleagues looked for randomized controlled
trials that compared music therapy with other, more traditional interventions
for depression.
However, researchers found a lack of uniformity in study approaches, study
populations or therapeutic techniques. The reviewers found unusually high levels
of participation and compliance among patients receiving the music
interventions.
The review, published in The Cochrane Library, found that the benefits of music
appeared greatest when providers used theory-based therapeutic techniques rather
than "winging it."
Therapeutic interventions included listening to music in groups, body movement
and painting to music and improvised singing.
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Copyright 2008 by United Press International