Music Therapy for Anxiety

Music therapy can be effective in reducing anxiety, thus ameliorating the physical and emotional distress that anxiety brings. By expressing and communicating such emotions through music therapy interventions, the client may release tension, experience relaxation, and thus activate inner resources for healing to occur (dos Santos, Marchant Sánchez, Niguez Ortiz & Oliver Germes, 2019). 

For individuals with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, music therapy was found to be of significant benefit (Gutiérrez & Camarena, 2015). As for older adults with dementia, including with Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), music therapy has been shown to reduce agitation and decrease irritability, and also relieved caregiver’s distress (Wall & Duffy, 2010). Related outcomes include improved quality of life and wellbeing.

How I helped my former patients deal with anxiety

When I worked on the palliative care ward, I witnessed how music brought comfort to and improved quality of life for the patients and their loved ones. Individuals with palliative/hospice care needs at the end of life may also benefit from relaxation, especially when their medical symptoms, e.g. pain, or existential struggles give rise to anxiety and fear. 

Visit benefits of music therapy page for the full list of references.