By: Malak Kalaz
1.0 Introduction
Music therapy is a clinically accepted practice that uses music to assist individuals with mental
illnesses in the management of symptoms and overall well-being. It gives a non-verbal and
creative outlet for emotional expression and stress relief through activities like listening to music,
playing instruments, or songwriting. Research shows that music therapy can reduce anxiety,
alleviate depression, enhance mood, and promote emotional regulation by engaging both the
brain and the body. Tailored to each person’s needs, it fosters social connection and
self-awareness, offering a holistic and accessible approach to mental health care.
1.1 Statistics
Music therapy has brought considerable positive results in people with mental illnesses, as
evidenced by increasing statistical evidence. For example, a review indicates that 68% of studies
resulted in improved mental health due to music therapy, which was especially evident in
decreased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even psychosis. (Golden et al., 2020) Silverman
(2015) presents that patients involved in music therapy demonstrated higher engagement in
psychiatric treatment processes and improved their emotional expression and social functioning.
An article assessing the role of music therapy for mental health reported that integrating music
therapy into recovery-oriented care models was associated with a 40% increase in self-reported
measure of well-being among participants. (McCaffrey et al., 2011) In addition, music therapy
can reduce physiological markers of stress, like cortisol, by about 20%, which helps dampen the
physical effects of psychiatric disorders. (Zoppi, 2020) Collectively, these figures point out how
music therapy is an effective approach to managing mental illnesses.
1.2 Brain Connection
Music therapy exerts profound effects on the brain, influencing its chemistry and creating neural
connections that ultimately support mental health. According to Zoppi (2020), it has been
elaborated that music reduces cortisol levels, hence decreasing stress and increasing emotional
regulation. It’s also been discussed scientifically how music activates the reward pathways in the
brain and triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and
motivation. This effect is beneficial for individuals with depression, where dopamine levels are
often diminished. (Golden et al. 2021) With music therapy, neural plasticity strengthens
connections between areas of the brain concerned with emotional processes and memory.
(McCaffrey et al., 2011) Taken together, these mechanisms illustrate how music therapy not only
treats symptoms but also promotes neurological changes that are better for long-term mental
health recovery.
1.3 Benefits
Thus, mental therapy offers a wide range of benefits to individuals with mental illnesses in terms
of addressing their emotional, psychological, and social challenges. It’s established that it is
effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychosis, promoting the ability to
express emotions and improve coping styles. (Golden et al., 2021) According to Silverman, he
points out that music therapy increases the awareness and participation of the individual, by
helping them relax and feel empowered. It's also a simple, non-verbal outlet for emotions,
making it particularly effective for individuals who struggle to articulate their feelings. (Zoppi, 2020)
1.4 Consequences
Music therapy generally has positive outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses, promoting
emotional expression, improved relationships, and recovery engagement. However,
psychologists warn that certain music may trigger distressing emotions as well as emphasizing
the need for individualized approaches to avoid overstimulation. (McCaffrey et al, 2011; Zoppi,
2020) Careful implementation ensures its benefits outweigh potential risks and challenges.
References:
● Silverman, M. J. (2015). Music Therapy in Mental Health for Illness Management and
Recovery. Oxford University Press. https://musictherapy.at/hNtW8
● McCaffrey, T., Edwards, J., & Fannon, D. (2011). Is there a role for music therapy in the
recovery approach to mental health? The Arts in Psychotherapy, 38(3), 185–189.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2011.04.006
● Golden, T. L., Springs, S., Kimmel, H. J., Gupta, S., Tiedemann, A., Sandu, C. C., &
Magsamen, S. (2021). The Use of Music in the Treatment and Management of Serious
Mental Illness: A Global Scoping Review of the Literature. Frontiers in Psychology,
12(12). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.649840
● Zoppi, L. (2020). Music therapy: Types and benefits for anxiety, depression, and more.
Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/music-therapy
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