Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Care Through Music Therapy: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61978/harmonia.v3i3.913Keywords:
Music Therapy, Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Dementia, Digital Health, Global HealthcareAbstract
Music therapy has gained increasing recognition as a non-pharmacological intervention for improving mental health in both clinical and community settings. This narrative review aimed to synthesize current evidence on its effectiveness, methodological approaches, and systemic challenges. Literature was systematically identified through major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as "music therapy," "mental health," "anxiety," "depression," and "stress." Inclusion criteria focused on empirical studies, randomized controlled trials, cohort research, and systematic reviews addressing mental health outcomes. Findings demonstrate that music therapy significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress while enhancing social interaction and overall well-being. Clinical studies reported improvements among intensive care patients and older adults, while community-based interventions benefitted adolescents and caregivers. Technological innovations, including mobile applications and digital delivery platforms, have expanded accessibility and demonstrated outcomes comparable to conventional therapy. Global evidence suggests consistent benefits across cultural and healthcare contexts, reinforcing music’s universality as a therapeutic medium. However, systemic barriers such as limited policy support, inadequate professional training, and stigma against non-pharmacological interventions hinder widespread adoption. The review concludes that music therapy offers substantial promise for integration into mental health care but requires stronger evidence from long-term studies and culturally diverse populations. Policy reform, standardized methodologies, and digital innovation are key strategies to ensure sustainable implementation. By addressing current gaps, music therapy can be established as an essential component of comprehensive mental health care.
References
Aalbers, S., Fusar‐Poli, L., Freeman, R., Spreen, M., Ket, J., Vink, A., … & Gold, C. (2017). Music therapy for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd004517.pub3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004517.pub3
Aragon, L., Álvarez‐Díaz, A., Suárez, R., Amarillo, M., Mejía, C., & Ettenberger, M. (2024). Effect of a single live group music therapy intervention on anxiety-state and well-being levels during chemotherapy: a multicenter randomized clinical trial protocol. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health, 13. https://doi.org/10.1177/27536130241310241 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/27536130241310241
Bernard, G., & Dvorak, A. (2022). Using music to address trauma with refugees: a systematic review and recommendations. Music Therapy Perspectives, 41(1), e30-e43. https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/miac013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/miac013
Blackburn, R., & Bradshaw, T. (2014). Music therapy for service users with dementia: a critical review of the literature. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 21(10), 879-888. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12165 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12165
Capell, M., Arnau, A., Juvinyà, D., Montesinos, J., & Fernández, R. (2018). Sound isolation and music on the comfort of mechanically ventilated critical patients. Nursing in Critical Care, 24(5), 290-298. https://doi.org/10.1111/nicc.12407 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/nicc.12407
Chang, B., Chen, B., Beckstead, J., & Yang, C. (2017). Effects of a music‐creation programme on the anxiety, self‐esteem, and quality of life of people with severe mental illness: a quasi‐experimental design. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 27(3), 1066-1076. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12414 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12414
Dimopoulos‐Bick, T., Clowes, K., Conciatore, K., Haertsch, M., Verma, R., & Lévesque, J. (2019). Barriers and facilitators to implementing playlists as a novel personalised music intervention in public healthcare settings in New South Wales, Australia. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 25(1), 31. https://doi.org/10.1071/py18084 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/PY18084
Dogan-Gangal, A., Akın, B., & Koçoğlu, D. (2024). Effect of music-based interventions on maternal and fetal parameters during pregnancy: a systematic review. Complementary Medicine Research, 31(6), 540-550. https://doi.org/10.1159/000540263 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000540263
Dowson, B., McDermott, O., & Schneider, J. (2019). What indicators have been used to evaluate the impact of music on the health and wellbeing of people with dementia? A review using meta-narrative methods. Maturitas, 127, 26-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.06.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.06.001
Drewitt, L., Martin, K., Atkinson, C., & Marczak, M. (2022). Providing music therapy for people with dementia in an acute mental health setting. Nursing Standard, 37(6), 77-82. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2022.e11796 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2022.e11796
Ettenberger, M., Bieleninik, Ł., Epstein, S., & Elefant, C. (2021). Defining attachment and bonding: overlaps, differences and implications for music therapy clinical practice and research in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1733. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041733 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041733
Ettenberger, M., Maya, R., Salgado-Vasco, A., Monsalve-Duarte, S., Betancourt-Zapata, W., Suárez-Cañón, N., … & Valderrama, M. (2021). The effect of music therapy on perceived pain, mental health, vital signs, and medication usage of burn patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit: a randomized controlled feasibility study protocol. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.714209 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.714209
Fancourt, D., Perkins, R., Ascenso, S., Carvalho, L., Steptoe, A., & Williamon, A. (2016). Effects of group drumming interventions on anxiety, depression, social resilience and inflammatory immune response among mental health service users. PLOS One, 11(3), e0151136. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0151136 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0151136
Freitas, C., Company, J., Pita, M., & Rodríguez, M. (2022). Music therapy for adolescents with psychiatric disorders: an overview. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 27(3), 895-910. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045221079161 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045221079161
Gambadauro, P., Navaratnarajah, R., & Carli, V. (2015). Anxiety at outpatient hysteroscopy. Gynecological Surgery, 12(3), 189-196. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10397-015-0895-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10397-015-0895-3
Hagemann, P., Martin, L., & Neme, C. (2019). The effect of music therapy on hemodialysis patients' quality of life and depression symptoms. Brazilian Journal of Nephrology, 41(1), 74-82. https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2018-0023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2018-0023
Hirschberg, R., Sylvia, L., Wright, E., Gupta, C., McCarthy, M., Harward, L., … & Spencer, T. (2020). Collaborative songwriting intervention for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(3), 198-203. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0368 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0368
Inoue, M., Ihara, E., Layman, S., Li, M., Nosrat, S., Mehak, S., … & Tompkins, C. (2024). A personalized music intervention in nursing home residents living with dementia: findings from a randomized study. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 43(11), 1611-1620. https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648241257797 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648241257797
Jung, E., Choi, Y., & Lee, K. (2022). Effects of integrative cognitive function improvement program on cognitive function, oral health, and mental health in older people: a randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), 14339. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114339 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114339
Kwak, J., Anderson, K., & Valuch, K. (2018). Findings from a prospective randomized controlled trial of an individualized music listening program for persons with dementia. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 39(6), 567-575. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464818778991 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464818778991
Lai, J., & Amaladoss, N. (2021). Music in waiting rooms: a literature review. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 15(2), 347-354. https://doi.org/10.1177/19375867211067542 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/19375867211067542
Li, X., Du, G., Liu, W., & Wang, F. (2020). Music intervention improves the physical and mental status for patients with breast cancer. Medicine, 99(49), e23461. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000023461 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000023461
Lisle, G., Oudin, A., Bourla, A., Ferreri, F., & Mouchabac, S. (2024). Musicotherapy mobile applications: what level of evidence and potential role in psychiatric care? A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1366575 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1366575
Liu, Y. (2021). Research on mental health intervention of college students based on music therapy. Revista Brasileira De Medicina Do Esporte, 27(spe), 40-42. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-8692202127012020_0106 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-8692202127012020_0106
Luo, X., Zhang, A., Li, H., Li, Y., Ying, F., Wang, X., … & Huang, G. (2024). The role of arts therapies in mitigating sleep initiation and maintenance disorders: a systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1386529 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1386529
Ma, G., & Ma, X. (2023). Music intervention for older adults: evidence map of systematic reviews. Medicine, 102(48), e36016. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000036016 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000036016
McDonald, J., Codrea, A., & Gavin, B. (2015). A pilot music group for young people attending a community child and adolescent mental health service. Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 32(3), 259-264. https://doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2014.84 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2014.84
McFerran, K., Hense, C., Koike, A., & Rickwood, D. (2018). Intentional music use to reduce psychological distress in adolescents accessing primary mental health care. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 23(4), 567-581. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359104518767231 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1359104518767231
McWaters, S., Gettis, M., & Bourne, J. (2022). Music therapy program development for pediatric patients in a medical facility awaiting behavioral/mental health placement. Music Therapy Perspectives, 41(1), 3-9. https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/miac010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/miac010
Navarro, L., Gómez‐Carballa, A., Pischedda, S., Montoto-Louzao, J., Viz-Lasheras, S., Camino‐Mera, A., … & Salas, A. (2023). Sensogenomics of music and Alzheimer’s disease: an interdisciplinary view from neuroscience, transcriptomics, and epigenomics. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1063536 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1063536
Palazzi, A., Meschini, R., & Piccinini, C. (2021). NICU music therapy effects on maternal mental health and preterm infant's emotional arousal. Infant Mental Health Journal, 42(5), 672-689. https://doi.org/10.1002/imhj.21938 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/imhj.21938
Pisegna, J., Knebel, R., Juckett, L., Darragh, A., Nichols‐Larsen, D., & Krok‐Schoen, J. (2023). Occupational therapy for poststroke anxiety and depressive symptoms in inpatient rehabilitation. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 44(1), 78-87. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492231151886 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492231151886
Raglio, A. (2020). More music, more health! Journal of Public Health, 43(4), e742-e744. https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdaa123 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdaa123
Sanfilippo, K., Stewart, L., & Glover, V. (2021). How music may support perinatal mental health: an overview. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 24(5), 831-839. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-021-01178-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-021-01178-5
Son, H., So, W., & Kim, M. (2019). Effects of aromatherapy combined with music therapy on anxiety, stress, and fundamental nursing skills in nursing students: a randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(21), 4185. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16214185 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16214185
Sundar, S., Ramesh, B., Dixit, P., Venkatesh, S., Das, P., & Gunasekaran, D. (2015). Live music therapy as an active focus of attention for pain and behavioral symptoms of distress during pediatric immunization. Clinical Pediatrics, 55(8), 745-748. https://doi.org/10.1177/0009922815610613 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0009922815610613
Taets, G., Jomar, R., Abreu, Â., & Capella, M. (2019). Effect of music therapy on stress in chemically dependent people: a quasi-experimental study. Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 27. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.2456.3115 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.2456.3115
Trimmer, C., Tyo, R., Pikard, J., McKenna, C., & Naeem, F. (2017). Low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy-based music group (CBT-music) for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety and depression: a feasibility study. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 46(2), 168-181. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1352465817000480 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465817000480
Warran, K., Smith, C., Ugron, H., Blaga, O., Ladegaard, N., Carstens, L., … & Fietje, N. (2023). Implementing a singing-based intervention for postpartum depression in Denmark and Romania: a brief research report. Frontiers in Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1249503 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1249503
Yang, S., Lin, P., Wang, J., & Fu, S. (2024). Effectiveness of binaural beat music combined with rhythmical photic stimulation on older people with depressive symptoms in long-term care institution: a quasi-experimental pilot study. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-024-02737-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-024-02737-3
Yoo, J., Oh, J., Kim, S., Shin, J., Kim, S., & Roh, C. (2022). Impact of digital device, exercise, and music intervention programs on the cognition and depression of the elderly in South Korea: a meta-regression analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(7), 4036. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074036 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074036
