281. The effect of opera vocal therapy on chronic schizophrenia patients

Abstract Background Opera vocal music, as a comprehensive art form that integrates music, language, and emotional expression, has been proven to regulate emotional central activity and enhance social motivation. Its application in the rehabilitation of mental disorders is gradually receiving attention. However, the long-term impact of opera vocal music on the social functioning and quality of life of chronic patients is not yet clear. Therefore, the study aims to explore the improvement effect of opera vocal therapy on the severity of symptoms, social function, and quality of life in patients with chronic schizophrenia. And analyze its potential therapeutic mechanisms, providing new intervention ideas for the comprehensive rehabilitation of chronic schizophrenia. Methods Select 186 patients who meet the diagnostic criteria for chronic schizophrenia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition), including 102 males and 84 females. Simultaneously select 93 healthy volunteers matched in age and education level to construct a health group. Patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 93) and a control group (n = 93). The control group received conventional medication treatment and standardized rehabilitation training, while the experimental group received opera vocal therapy in addition to the intervention of the control group, twice a week for 90 minutes each time, for 24 weeks. The content of opera vocal therapy includes basic vocal training (breathing control, pitch adjustment), opera segment singing, group choir, and role-playing. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used for evaluation at baseline and 24 weeks of treatment. Results The results are shown in Table 1. At baseline, there was no statistically significant difference in the total PANSS score between the experimental group and the control group (p=.621), indicating a good match between the two groups in terms of symptom severity. And the total PANSS scores of both groups of patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy control group (p<.001). After treatment, the total score of PANSS in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p<.001), indicating a significant effect. Discussion Long term, structured opera vocal intervention can not only effectively alleviate the core mental symptoms of chronic schizophrenia, but may also have a positive impact on residual symptoms of poor drug treatment response. It also suggests that this form of art therapy has potential advantages in promoting emotional regulation and enhancing social participation motivation. Although there is still a significant difference in symptom levels between patients and healthy individuals after treatment, the significant improvement brought about by intervention provides new evidence-based support for improving the long-term functional decline and quality of life of patients with chronic schizophrenia. Future research will conduct longer follow-up periods to validate the sustained benefits of opera vocal intervention on social functioning and quality of life in patients with chronic schizophrenia.