In its findings, Bengaluru-based Cadabams Hospital said it is a proven fact that music can address mental health issues. The hospital found that music therapy can be helpful in modulating moods and emotions.
The hospital has been actively involved in researching the efficacy of music therapy as a healing modality for mental health disorders for several years.
According to Neha Cadabam, executive director at the hospital, the research commenced with a pilot programme in 2019, and from the end of 2020, regular music and cinema therapy sessions have been implemented as a part of the hospital’s therapeutic approach.
“Music therapy is a specialised therapeutic approach that utilises the inherent qualities of music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals. It involves a trained and certified music therapist who uses music interventions to achieve specific therapeutic goals. These interventions can include playing instruments, singing, listening to music and songwriting,” she said.
“Our research primarily focused on evaluating the efficacy and outcomes of music therapy within a therapeutic environment. The emphasis has been on how music therapy aids in emotional expression and provides a valuable distraction for individuals facing various behavioural health and psychological issues,” she added.
Cadabam further said, “It has proven effective for people with psychiatric illnesses, as well as those with intellectual disabilities, and even older adults who have responded positively. Initially, our research was conducted for internal use, with a strong focus on assessing its impact and effectiveness. Over time, as we observed positive outcomes, we began incorporating music therapy into our patient care strategies, making it an integral part of our approach to mental health treatment.”
Doctors at the hospital say that music therapy, regardless of their age, musical abilities, or mental health condition, can help people manage stress, reduce anxiety and depression, improve communication and emotional expression, enhance cognitive function and promote overall well-being.
Cadabam further stated that music therapy can be used in different forms and different settings.
“So music therapy on an outpatient basis or on a consultation basis, be it in a hospital environment or clinic, would really have a different approach where it is more to support a patient’s primary psychotherapy and is used as one of the alternative mediums to soothe, express or to support to their interest in music. And this is largely administered at a one on one level; there might be certain structured and unstructured groups. Structured from the context of homogeneous group meetings at regular intervals. More so for Cadabams (Hospital), it has been the effective use of music therapy in our residential setting or controlled environment,” she said.
“We have largely practiced at a minimum of weekly once for a targeted group. The homogeneity that we have been able to create is from the context of the age group or the issues so that a certain age group of relatively younger adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who are on a short term rehab programme and battling psychiatric illnesses are the ones who come along together for one group of music therapy session and there is another specific age group for the older adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s and sometimes chronic psychiatric illnesses,” Cadabam explained.
She added, “With respect to addiction groups, the reactions have been a mixed bag. It really depends on how the group gets along. And it is one of the support therapy. Music therapy, in conjunction with expressive art and movement has come along very well.”
Dr Sunil M R, Director of Cadabams Hospital stated that music therapy is helpful for any person going through mental health issues.
“There is no condition which is contraindicated for music therapy. It means music is helpful for any person who is going through a mental health issue or mental illness. It always helps them recover and it always supports them. But more frequently and more obviously for people who are going through minor mental problems such as generalised anxiety disorders, depression, depressive disorder and children who have hyperactive disorder and those who have problems with attention, concentration, children with behaviour problems, those kids can immensely benefit and have been benefited from proper use of music therapy,” he said.
While depression is indeed a significant focus of music therapy, it extends its benefits to a broad spectrum of clients. Doctors at the hospital have successfully implemented music therapy across various groups, including those dealing with addiction, intellectual disabilities and a range of psychiatric illnesses from subacute to chronic conditions.
Recalling an incident, Cadabam said music therapy had a profound impact on a dementia patient.
“We observed that the patient was initially withdrawn and unresponsive and resisted interaction. However, after a few sessions of music therapy, a breakthrough occurred. During a familiar kinetic song, the patient spontaneously completed a line, indicating engagement. Subsequent sessions saw her actively participating and even leading sessions,” Cadabam said.
She added, “Music therapy not only aided emotional regulation but also provided a means of communication. Despite language barriers, we communicated using Telugu, Kannada and English, fostering a strong therapeutic bond. The patient’s ability to connect through music enabled her to ground herself during moments of distress or disorientation. This case underscores the potential of music therapy to improve emotional well-being and communication for dementia patients, exemplifying the transformative power of therapeutic engagement through music.”
Doctors at the hospital say that music therapy, regardless of their age, musical abilities, or mental health condition, can help people manage stress, reduce anxiety and depression, improve communication and emotional expression, enhance cognitive function and promote overall well-being. (Representational/ File) 
Share
