According to British scientists, symptoms of schizophrenia can be relieved by music therapy.//
Researchers from the Imperial College London conducted a study in 4 hospitals and found improvement in the symptoms of schizophrenic patients when they were encouraged to express themselves through music.
"We have known for some time that psychological treatments can help people with schizophrenia, but these have only been used when people are fairly stable," said Dr Mike Crawford, the author of the study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
"This study shows that music therapy provides a way of working with people when they are acutely unwell," he added.
In U.K. and the U.S., 1% of the population is affected by schizophrenia. This disorder affects during the period of around 17 –24 years. The symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, hearing voices and behavioral changes.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs are the standard therapy for reduction of symptoms. However, these medicines have side effects like weight gain, higher risk of diabetes and sexual dysfunction.
In this study, the patients were divided into 2 groups, one group received the standard therapy alone while the other received music therapy in addition. Music therapy included 8-12 music classes in which the patients were encouraged to express themselves with different musical instruments.
The results revealed superior improvement in the music therapy group. However, this study needs to be conducted on a larger scale.
"Music therapy may provide a means of enhancing the effectiveness of in-patient treatment by reducing some of the symptoms of schizophrenia that respond least well to drug treatment," Crawford added.
GYT
'"/>Page: 1 Related medicine news :1.
Music aids in curing dementia2.
Music in link with epilepsy3.
Music training and Ginkgo biloba benefit memory4.
Music Makes you Smarter5.
Music soothes labour pain
6.
Exercising To Music Found To Boost Brain Power7.
Music to help schizophrenic patients8.
Musical Instruments Pleasing To The Ear But Rough On The Skin9.
Taking Music Lesson To Reduce Stress10.
Exposure to Grating, Noise, Music Can Cause Tumors Leading To Deafness11.
Music Helps in Spreading AIDS Awareness