Objective: Schizophrenia is one of the most serious mental disorders. Music therapy has
only recently been introduced as a formoftreatment. The aim of this study was to
examine the effect of music therapy for schizophrenic in-patients needing acute care.
Method: Thirty-seven patients with psychotic disorders were randomly assigned to an
experimental group and a control group. Bothgroups received medication and treatment
indicated for their disorder. Additionally, the experimental group (n = 21) underwent
group music therapy.
Results: Significant effects of music therapy are found in patients'self-evaluation of their
psychosocial orientation and for negative symptoms. No differences were found in the
quality of life. CONCLUSION: Musical activity diminishes negative symptomsand
improves interpersonal contact. These positive effects of music therapy could increase the
patient'sabilities to adapt to the socialenvironment in the community afterdischarge
fromthe hospital.