Possibilities for treating patients with chronic diseases using music therapy

Introduction and objective: The 21st century has seen a rapid increase in chronic diseases. The growth trend concerns mainly lifestyle diseases related to psychosocial and emotional conditions of human life. Therefore, the number of individuals seeking medical help due to acute or chronic stress or emotional tension has been rising. Treatment of such chronic conditions is mainly the domain of psychiatrists/psychotherapists, and sometimes general practitioners. Music therapy, or therapy through music, is increasingly being used to support the treatment of various chronic disorders (including somatic diseases). This study aims to objectively analyse the available literature on the use of music therapy for the treatment of patients with chronic conditions. Materials and methods: The research method used in this study was a literature review based on recent publications (books, articles) and research reports (studies and meta-analyses). Many recent studies have confirmed the effectiveness of music therapy in treating these conditions. Results: There are several benefits of music therapy in the treatment of chronic conditions due to its ability to influence both the psychological and physical aspects of health. Chronic conditions in which psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression exacerbate physical symptoms can be effectively alleviated through the use of music in therapy. Conclusions: The conclusions include recommendations for the more frequent use of music therapy in managing chronic diseases, especially those with somatic symptoms.