Music Therapy to Regulate Arousal and Attention in Patients With Substance Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Feasibility Study

Music therapy in psychological and educational context: Enhancing emotional and cognitive development of students

In recent years, music therapy has gained popularity, sparking interest in examining its effectiveness. The primary objective of this article is to analyze the effectiveness of an intervention program of music therapy on the emotional and cognitive development of young individuals. The study design is the intervention-control study. The participants consisted of 140 students from a university in Ukraine: 70 individuals diagnosed with clinical depression and 70 individuals who did not report any psychological disorders. The instruments utilized included the Psychological General Well-Being Index, Wechsler Memory Scale, and Conners' Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition. The results indicated that music therapy led to a significant improvement in the measured parameters across both contexts, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness. In the educational context, psychological well-being increased by 10.40 points (p = 0.000), memory by 1.89 points (p = 0.005), and attention by 1.69 points (p = 0.000). In the psychological context, the effects were more pronounced: psychological well-being increased by 11.92 points, memory by 3.31 points, and attention by 1.57 points (all p = 0.000). Furthermore, effect size analysis revealed that music therapy exerted a very large impact in the psychological context on psychological well-being (d = 3.71), memory (d = 2.67), and attention (d = 1.17), whereas in the educational context, the effects were significant but comparatively lower (d = 4.36, 0.90, and 0.67, respectively). These findings highlight the differential impact of music therapy depending on the context of its implementation, emphasizing the necessity of context-specific approaches to maximize its benefits. This study contributes to the growing body of research demonstrating the effectiveness of music therapy in both psychological treatment and educational enhancement, supporting its broader integration into mental health and academic settings.

Rhythms of relief: perspectives on neurocognitive mechanisms of music interventions in ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple neurocognitive deficits. Research suggests that music interventions, both active and passive, may be an effective complementary method of addressing ADHD challenges. This narrative review discusses seven potential neurocognitive mechanisms through which music interventions may help mitigate or alleviate ADHD symptoms, including executive function enhancement, timing improvement, arousal regulation, default mode network modulation, neural entrainment, affective management, and social bonding facilitation. Our study synthesized evidence from ADHD-specific studies and examined parallels to other populations to identify possible pathways through which music therapy could exert its effect. The paper also discusses the implications of individualized music interventions tailored to specific neurocognitive profiles in ADHD, advocating additional research to refine and optimize these approaches. Overall, music therapy has substantial potential as a complementary treatment for ADHD, offering new avenues for addressing the psychosocial and cognitive aspects of this condition.

Music-Based Cognitive Training for Adults with Major Depressive Disorder and Suicide Risk: A Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: Cognitive challenges in attention and executive function worsen over time in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal risk. These difficulties persist beyond acute episodes, with limited targeted treatments available. Neurologic music therapy (NMT) is effective for cognitive rehabilitation in brain injuries and developmental disabilities, suggesting potential benefits for adults with MDD and suicide risk. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of short-term NMT on cognitive function in adults with MDD. Methods: Adults aged 18+ with MDD and suicidal ideations participated in an 8-week single-arm open label study with 45-min individual in-person NMT sessions using musical attention control training (MACT) and musical executive function training (MEFT). Participants provided feedback on feasibility and acceptability, and pre- and post-intervention assessments included neurocognitive tasks and questionnaires on suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Results: A total of 18 individuals enrolled, and 10 participants completed the study protocol. Of the participants, 100% were satisfied with their experience with NMT, with 100% noting improvements in attention and 80% in executive function. Participants experienced some improvements in short-term memory (Digit Span Forward Test), cognitive flexibility (Trail Making Test B), and inhibitory control (Stroop Task). Significant reduction in suicidal ideation intensity (Beck Suicidal Scale of Ideation) was observed, as well as significant improvements in quality of life. Conclusions: This is the first study using NMT to demonstrate feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness with respect to cognitive function in adults with MDD and suicide risk, providing preliminary data for future randomized controlled trials.

Music and movement therapy improves quality of life and attention and associated electroencephalogram changes in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder. Treatments for ADHD include pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapy. However, pharmacological treatments have side effects such as poor appetite, sleep disturbance, and headache. Moreover, nonpharmacological treatments are not effective in ameliorating core symptoms and are time-consuming. Hence, developing an alternative and effective treatment without (or with fewer) side effects is crucial. Music therapy has long been used to treat numerous neurological diseases. Although listening to music is beneficial for mood and cognitive functions in patients with ADHD, research on the effects of music and movement therapy in children with ADHD is lacking.

METHODS

The present study investigated the effects of an 8-week music and movement intervention in 13 children with ADHD. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was used to evaluate changes in participants' quality of life. Conners' Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT 2) and the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham rating scale (SNAP-IV) were used to assess core symptoms. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were analyzed to determine neurophysiological changes.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the participants' quality of life increased significantly after the 8-week intervention. Furthermore, the participants' hit reaction times in the block 1 and block 2 tests of K-CPT 2 decreased significantly after the intervention. EEG analysis demonstrated an increase in alpha power and Higuchi's fractal dimension and a decrease in delta power in certain EEG channels.

CONCLUSION

Our music and movement intervention is a potential alternative and effective tool for ADHD treatment and it can significantly improve patients' quality of life and attention.

Steering the energy with music: hermeneutic phenomenological study of user perspectives of music and music therapy for co-occurring ADHD and substance use problems

BACKGROUND

User perspectives and involvement are crucial for improving substance use treatment service provision. First-hand accounts provide rich perspectives on how users experience change within therapeutic approaches like music therapy. People with substance use problems have a higher incidence of experiencing challenges with impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. Such challenges can negatively affect social functioning and outcomes of substance use treatment. Music therapy can offer people a means to regulate emotions and facilitate social relationships. There is a lack of research on user perspectives of music therapy in substance use treatment, and we could identify no studies that explore user perspectives of music therapy for adults with substance use problems and co-occurring impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.

METHODS

The aim of this phenomenological study was to center the voices of people living with co-occurring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorder (SUD) to understand how they experience music and music therapy in their process of recovery. We used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to qualitative analysis of transcripts from in-depth interviews with 8 adult service users from a Norwegian substance use treatment facility.

RESULTS

Our main finding was that music and music therapy enabled experiences of motivation and mastery that ultimately afforded social belonging. The participants demonstrated detailed and nuanced understanding of how they use music to steer the energy and restlessness that are characteristic of ADHD, to change mood, and to shift negative thought patterns. These forms of music-centered regulation served as pre-requisites for more active and gratifying participation in social communities. For several participants, musicking offered a means of establishing drug-free identity and fellowship. The motivation and mastery experienced during musicking lowered the threshold for social engagement, and served as an incentive for continuing substance use treatment for some participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The nuanced descriptions from our participants illustrate the importance of motivation, and how music therapy can contribute to motivation in substance use treatment. In particular, the context surrounding musicking, adaptations from the music therapist, and social affordances of such musicking contributed to pleasure, mastery, participation, development of identity and social belonging, which in interaction generated motivation.

Ventral tegmental area dopaminergic action in music therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A literature review

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating sequela of extraordinary traumatic sufferings that threaten personal health and dramatically attenuate the patient's quality of life. Accumulating lines of evidence suggest that functional disorders in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic system contribute substantially to PTSD symptomatology. Notably, music therapy has been shown to greatly ameliorate PTSD symptoms. In this literature review, we focused on whether music improved PTSD symptoms, based on VTA dopaminergic action, including the effects of music on dopamine (DA)-related gene expression, the promotion of DA release and metabolism, and the activation of VTA functional activities. In addition, the strengths and limitations of the studies concerning the results of music therapy on PTSD are discussed. Collectively, music therapy is an effective approach for PTSD intervention, in which the VTA dopaminergic system may hold an important position.

Music therapy for people with substance use disorders

BACKGROUND

Substance use disorder (SUD) is the continued use of one or more psychoactive substances, including alcohol, despite negative effects on health, functioning, and social relations. Problematic drug use has increased by 10% globally since 2013, and harmful use of alcohol is associated with 5.3% of all deaths. Direct effects of music therapy (MT) on problematic substance use are not known, but it may be helpful in alleviating associated psychological symptoms and decreasing substance craving.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of music therapy (MT) in addition to standard care versus standard care alone, or to standard care plus an active control intervention, on psychological symptoms, substance craving, motivation for treatment, and motivation to stay clean/sober.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases (from inception to 1 February 2021): the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Specialised Register; CENTRAL; MEDLINE (PubMed); eight other databases, and two trials registries. We handsearched reference lists of all retrieved studies and relevant systematic reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials comparing MT plus standard care to standard care alone, or MT plus standard care to active intervention plus standard care for people with SUD.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodology.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 21 trials involving 1984 people. We found moderate-certainty evidence of a medium effect favouring MT plus standard care over standard care alone for substance craving (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.23 to -0.10; 3 studies, 254 participants), with significant subgroup differences indicating greater reduction in craving for MT intervention lasting one to three months; and small-to-medium effect favouring MT for motivation for treatment/change (SMD 0.41, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.61; 5 studies, 408 participants). We found no clear evidence of a beneficial effect on depression (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.72 to 0.07; 3 studies, 100 participants), or motivation to stay sober/clean (SMD 0.22, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.47; 3 studies, 269 participants), though effect sizes ranged from large favourable effect to no effect, and we are uncertain about the result. There was no evidence of beneficial effect on anxiety (mean difference (MD) -0.17, 95% CI -4.39 to 4.05; 1 study, 60 participants), though we are uncertain about the result. There was no meaningful effect for retention in treatment for participants receiving MT plus standard care as compared to standard care alone (risk ratio (RR) 0.99, 95% 0.93 to 1.05; 6 studies, 199 participants). There was a moderate effect on motivation for treatment/change when comparing MT plus standard care to another active intervention plus standard care (SMD 0.46, 95% CI -0.00 to 0.93; 5 studies, 411 participants), and certainty in the result was moderate. We found no clear evidence of an effect of MT on motivation to stay sober/clean when compared to active intervention, though effect sizes ranged from large favourable effect to no effect, and we are uncertain about the result (MD 0.34, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.78; 3 studies, 258 participants). There was no clear evidence of effect on substance craving (SMD -0.04, 95% CI -0.56 to 0.48; 3 studies, 232 participants), depression (MD -1.49, 95% CI -4.98 to 2.00; 1 study, 110 participants), or substance use (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.29; 1 study, 140 participants) at one-month follow-up when comparing MT plus standard care to active intervention plus standard care. There were no data on adverse effects. Unclear risk of selection bias applied to most studies due to incomplete description of processes of randomisation and allocation concealment. All studies were at unclear risk of detection bias due to lack of blinding of outcome assessors for subjective outcomes (mostly self-report). We judged that bias arising from such lack of blinding would not differ between groups. Similarly, it is not possible to blind participants and providers to MT. We consider knowledge of receiving this type of therapy as part of the therapeutic effect itself, and thus all studies were at low risk of performance bias for subjective outcomes.  We downgraded all outcomes one level for imprecision due to optimal information size not being met, and two levels for outcomes with very low sample size.  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Results from this review suggest that MT as 'add on' treatment to standard care can lead to moderate reductions in substance craving and can increase motivation for treatment/change for people with SUDs receiving treatment in detoxification and short-term rehabilitation settings. Greater reduction in craving is associated with MT lasting longer than a single session. We have moderate-to-low confidence in our findings as the included studies were downgraded in certainty due to imprecision, and most included studies were conducted by the same researcher in the same detoxification unit, which considerably impacts the transferability of findings.

Effects of music on ADHD symptomatology and potential application of music in video games: A systematic review (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a considerable impact on an individual's daily life. Some difficulties with timing deficits may be associated with deficiencies in attention, reading, language skills, or executive function. Music therapy, either active (playing an instrument) or passive (listening to music) has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing symptomatology in many disorders. Video games may prove to be a useful assessment and treatment tool in compensating for the difficulties with multimodal treatment in ADHD.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to (1) analyze the evidence that music is beneficial in reducing the symptomatology of ADHD using systematic review and (2) propose the application of music in video games following music therapy strategies.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and gray literature (Google Scholar and WorldCat). We used the following search syntax: ((music[Title/Abstract]) or (music therapy[Title/Abstract])) and (attention deficit disorder[MeSH or thesaurus term]).

RESULTS

Of the 70 records identified, 17 provided findings that music can be beneficial in various domains of ADHD. Active music therapy improves hemispheric synchrony, social skills, aggressivity, and impulsivity. Passive music therapy improves academic skills like arithmetic, drawing, and reading comprehension, as well as attention and disruptive behaviors. The effects depend on the music genre, tempo, or task difficulty. Music in video games was generally found to be beneficial for people with ADHD. Music improves immersion and flow while playing video games. Using rhythm may also improve timing skills and immersion in patients with ADHD. Regarding the proposed application of aspects of music to therapeutic video games for ADHD, some paradigms in timing and music therapy were considered in the proposed design of video games.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving ADHD treatment through the application of music in video games is proposed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021288226; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=288226.