Music therapy has been gaining attention as a potential treatment option for various mental illnesses. With its ability to improve mood and emotional well-being, experts are interested in understanding more about why music therapy is effective in treating certain conditions. A recent study has shed light on this topic, revealing a link between the subjective enjoyment of music and its impact on depression.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In India alone, it is estimated that more than 56 million people are affected by this debilitating mental disorder. While there are various treatment options available, including medication and therapy, many individuals still struggle to find relief from their symptoms. This is where music therapy comes in.
Music therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses music as a medium to help individuals manage their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. It involves a trained therapist using different musical techniques, such as listening, singing, and playing instruments, to address specific needs and goals of the individual. The therapist and the client work together to create a personalized treatment plan that incorporates music to improve their mental health.
Numerous studies have shown the positive effects of music therapy on various mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, researchers have been keen to understand the mechanism behind music therapy’s effectiveness, particularly in treating depression. A recent study conducted by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast has provided some insight into this matter.
The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, involved 25 participants with depression. They were divided into two groups, with one group receiving music therapy and the other receiving standard care, which included medication and therapy. The participants in the music therapy group had weekly sessions with a trained therapist for three months. The sessions involved listening to different types of music, including classical, pop, and folk, and engaging in discussions and activities related to the music.
After three months, the researchers found that the participants who received music therapy experienced a significant reduction in their depressive symptoms compared to those who received standard care. What was even more interesting was that the participants who reported enjoying the music therapy sessions also showed more improvement in their symptoms. This finding led the researchers to investigate the link between subjective enjoyment of music and its impact on depression.
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the researchers measured the brain activity of the participants while they listened to music. They found that those who experienced improved depressive symptoms showed distinct patterns of brain activity compared to those who did not. Specifically, there was an increase in activity in the brain’s reward center, the ventral striatum, which is associated with pleasure and motivation. This suggests that the participants who enjoyed the music therapy sessions experienced a boost in their mood and motivation, resulting in reduced symptoms of depression.
Moreover, the researchers found that changing the familiarity of the music also had an impact on the participants’ enjoyment. When the music therapist introduced new and unfamiliar songs, the participants reported a decrease in their enjoyment and a corresponding decrease in their mood. This highlights the importance of incorporating music that is personally meaningful and enjoyable for the individual in music therapy sessions.
The study’s findings have significant implications for the use of music therapy in treating depression. It provides evidence for the role of subjective enjoyment of music in its effectiveness and highlights the need for personalized and tailored music therapy sessions. This is especially relevant in a country like India, where there is a rich diversity of music, and incorporating culturally relevant music can have a significant impact on an individual’s enjoyment and response to therapy.
Furthermore, music therapy is a non-invasive and cost-effective treatment option, making it accessible to a larger population, including those who may not have access to traditional forms of therapy. This is particularly important in a country like India, where mental health services are often limited and stigmatized.
Music therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of depression and other mental illnesses. The recent study provides valuable insights into the link between subjective enjoyment of music and its impact on depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for personalised and culturally relevant music therapy sessions. With its numerous benefits and accessibility, music therapy has the potential to revolutionise mental health treatment in India and around the world.
