MUSIC THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND WORK-RELATED STRESS AND BURNOUT: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Introduction: According to previous research and reviews, music therapy has been found to be an effective and motivating way of treating mental health disorders. Research has been conducted especially related to depression. This narrative review aims to provide an updated view of music therapy in treatment of depression, and closely related disorders, anxiety and exhaustion among working-age individuals. Methods: Literature included randomized controlled trials, pilot and feasibility studies, case studies, process studies and case reports, in which music therapy had been used for treating either depression, anxiety or exhaustion among working-age populations. Of all screened articles (1748) a total of 23 studies were included in the review. Additionally, three more articles were presented in the results to enrich the view of this subject, even though they did not fully meet the inclusion criteria. Results: The search offered a versatile and rich view to the use of music therapy in treatment of working-age population with depression, anxiety and work-related stress. The studies mainly focused on decreasing depression and depressive symptoms, but improving anxiety, stress, self-esteem and emotion regulation were also the focus of many included studies. Improvisation, music listening in some form and songwriting were among the most used music therapy methods. Mainly quantitative but also qualitative and mixed research methods were found. Discussion: The reporting of music therapy research seems to have improved during recent years, for example, in terms of the quality of intervention descriptions. Multiple clinical methods were utilized in different therapy settings, and clinical improvisation seemed to be one very common and effective approach, allowing new modalities for emotion expression and self-exploration. The intensity of therapy seemed to affect the treatment outcomes.