What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Anxiety

A recent study suggests that music therapy and verbal relaxation may reduce anxiety caused by chemotherapy treatments.

Music has been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times. It has been used to influence emotional and physical well-being, as well as quality of life. Music therapy may involve both performing and listening, and does not necessarily require the presence of a music therapist. There is currently strong scientific evidence that suggests music therapy may be beneficial for stress, anxiety and mood enhancement.

In a recent study, 98 patients from a chemotherapy outpatient clinic were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group received a one-hour single music therapy session, the second group received 30 minutes of guided verbal relaxation therapy and the third group received standard care. Several outcome measures were used during and after chemotherapy, including the Spielberger state-trait anxiety instrument, emotional visual analog scale, skin temperature, heart rate and consciousness.

The researchers found that music therapy had the largest effect on anxiety following chemotherapy, and significantly increased skin temperature. Furthermore, patients with the most anxiety after chemotherapy saw the greatest reduction in anxiety from music therapy. Verbal relaxation also reduced anxiety more than standard care.

The authors concluded that music therapy and verbal relaxation may reduce post-chemotherapy anxiety and suggested that it be incorporated as part of chemotherapy treatments. Additional research is necessary to further evaluate these findings.

For more information about music therapy, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness database.

References
1.Lin MF, Hsieh YJ, Hsu YY, et al. A randomised controlled trial of the effect of music therapy and verbal relaxation on chemotherapy-induced anxiety. J Clin Nurs. 2011 Apr;20(7-8):988-999. View Abstract
2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com

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