Playing or listening to music may boost the effects of conventional treatment
Music has long been known to affect mood—but can it relieve depression? According to some recent studies, music therapy, which typically combines traditional "talk therapy" with listening to music or creating it, may work to alleviate depression in several ways.
Playing an instrument, for example, allows depressed people to express themselves nonverbally when they can't easily talk about how they feel. Listening to soothing music helps others relax so they're better able to let go of feelings that are troubling. Still others may find that sharing a musical experience with a therapist—playing or listening—helps them feel more comfortable discussing their problems and feelings.
Music therapy is either active or receptive, with neither type requiring prior musical background or abilities. In active music therapy, the therapist and the patient improvise, recreate, or compose music using a drum, mallet instrument or the voice.
The goal is for the patient to share thoughts and feelings that arise with the music making and, as a result, develop insight into his or her problems.