A meta-analysis of six RCTs of arts therapies versus any control found that most of the studies used group
based intervention. There were three treatment modalities, music, art and body-oriented psychotherapy.
The sample sizes were small (n=24-90) and many of the studies either omitted information regarding
randomisation and rater blinding or reported difficulties in these areas which reduced study quality. There
were high attrition rates (>40%) in half the studies and there was often no control for therapist time. Arts
therapies were effective in reducing negative symptoms (SMD in score at end of treatment -0.59, 95% CI
-0.83 to -0.36, from five studies), with some evidence from two of the studies that medium to large effect
sizes found at the end of treatment were sustained at up to six months follow up (SMD in score -0.77, 95% CI
-1.27 to -0.26). Effects remained when analysed by context of therapy indicating effectiveness when delivered
via inpatient or outpatient settings. There were no significant effects on total symptom score (reported in
four studies) or positive symptom score (reported in two studies), social or psychosocial functioning (one
study), user satisfaction or quality of life (one study each). No RCTs of drama therapy were identified in this
population group.44