Application of combined drug and music therapy in patients with depression

Depression is a highly prevalent mood disorder, significantly impairing quality of life and associated with increased mortality. Effective interventions usually involve a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments. As individuals respond differently to various therapeutic approaches, a wide range of possible interventions has been devised. However, the potential of music therapy has not been thoroughly researched. This study aims to investigate the effect of including music therapy in depression treatment. A total of 62 patients, all receiving antidepressant treatment involving escitalopram, were equally divided into an experimental group and a control group. While the control group remained on medication-only treatment, the experimental group additionally participated in a music therapy program consisting of 10 individual sessions, each lasting 50 minutes. The sessions were structured and included both active and receptive components in a predetermined sequence. The active elements included concentration, coordination, short-term memory, and improvisation exercises, which required motor responses to musical and rhythmic prompts. The receptive components were centered on relaxation exercises. Progress was tracked at three points – at initiation of treatment, on day 14, and at its conclusion on day 90. Each participant was evaluated by a psychiatrist using the Clinical Global Impression–Severity scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning scale and completed the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Results indicated a positive therapeutic effect in both groups. However, an additional significant improvement in indicators of anxiety, cognitive factors, and social functioning was observed in the group where drug treatment was combined with music therapy.