Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Music Therapy

The American Music Therapy Association states that "Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program."1

Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

• promote wellness
• manage stress
• alleviate pain
• express feelings
• enhance memory
• improve communication
• promote physical rehabilitation.
• Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings.

Historically, music has been used to provide relief and relaxation for many centuries but began in its modern-day form after WWI.

Music Therapy is often used to help calm a person's mental and emotional state.⁶³

Read more details about Music Therapy.

One study tested the effects of music therapy on terminally ill patients and found that it helped to reduce anxiety.⁶³

Music therapy can be used in conjunction with medications, as a means to reduce the amount of medication taken or even to serve as the primary method for treating depression.¹

1. American Music Therapy Association. Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed on July 15, 2010 from http://www.musictherapy.org/faqs.html
63. Horne-Thompson A, Grocke D. The effect of music therapy on anxiety in patients who are terminally ill. J Palliat Med. 2008;11:582-590.