Which medical conditions can be treated with music therapy?
Music therapy is a form of treatment used by therapists to manage a wide range of conditions. It is usually used as a complementary therapy, which means it is part of a larger treatment plan that may include medications or other interventions. Studies have shown that music therapy can provide benefits to individuals with:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that neurodevelopment and is usually diagnosed in childhood. It was previously known as autism, which is still commonly used. However, ASD encompasses a range of conditions. It alters the way a child communicates and interacts, and while there is no cure, symptoms may improve with time.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders fall under the category of mental health conditions that can make it challenging to carry out daily activities. Symptoms may include nervousness, panic, fear, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. Treatment options include medications and cognitive behavioral therapy, and your healthcare provider can create a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
SUD, or substance use disorder, is a multifaceted condition characterized by a problematic pattern of substance use that can vary in severity from mild to severe addiction. Seeking treatment for SUD is crucial, and it's recommended to seek help as soon as possible if you or your child is showing signs of developing SUD.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative brain condition that occurs with age and causes deterioration of certain brain parts. Its most recognizable symptoms include slowed movements, tremors, and balance issues. While the cause of most cases is unknown, some are hereditary. Although there is no cure for the condition, there are various treatment options.
Dementia
Dementia is a general term that represents a group of diseases and illnesses that affect your thinking, memory, reasoning, personality, mood and behavior. The decline in mental function interferes with your daily life and activities. It’s estimated that about 50% of people age 85 and older have dementia. Current medications may help slow the mental decline.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) are a major cause of death and disability in the U.S. You can get a TBI from a hard bump or jolt to your head or if you’re hit with something that penetrates your skull. TBIs may have short-term or long-term medical issues. There are treatments for TBI. More importantly, there are ways to prevent them from happening.
Stroke
A stroke is your brain’s equivalent of a heart attack, happening when there’s an issue with blood flow to part of your brain. This can happen when blood vessels are blocked or because of bleeding in your brain. Strokes are a life-threatening emergency, and immediate medical attention is critical to prevent permanent damage or death.
Mood Disorders
A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects your emotional state. They can cause persistent and intense sadness, elation and/or anger. Mood disorders are treatable — usually with a combination of medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy).
PTSD is not a typical stress response and its symptoms vary from person to person. Some the common symptoms include thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares, avoidance of trauma reminders, negative mood changes, and changes in arousal and reactivity.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by obsessions and compulsions that interfere with daily life.
OCD was formerly classified as an anxiety disorder because people affected by this mental illness often experience severe anxiety as a result of obsessive thoughts. They may also engage in extensive rituals in an attempt to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia symptoms may appear strange to those who witness them. symptoms may include psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, disorganized behavior, lack of emotion, reduced and disorganized speech, and memory issues.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity refers to actions that are poorly planned, unnecessarily risky, and inappropriate for the situation at hand. It is often linked to negative outcomes and is a common in mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD).