A systematic review and meta-analysis of music therapy for the older adults with depression.

Author: Zhao K1,2, Bai ZG1, Bo A3, Chi I4
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Evidence-based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China. <sup>2</sup>The Second Clinic School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China. <sup>3</sup>Silver School of Social Work, New York University, NY, USA. <sup>4</sup>School of Social Work, University of Southern California, LA, CA, USA.
Conference/Journal: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry.
Date published: 2016 Apr 19
Other: Special Notes: doi: 10.1002/gps.4494. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 130


OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of music therapy in the management of depression in the elderly.

METHOD: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Change in depressive symptoms was measured with various scales. Standardized mean differences were calculated for each therapy-control contrast.

RESULTS: A comprehensive search yielded 2,692 citations; 19 articles met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis suggests that music therapy plus standard treatment has statistical significance in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults (standardized mean differences = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.87, 1.17).

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that music therapy has an effect on reducing depressive symptoms to some extent. However, high-quality trials evaluating the effects of music therapy on depression are required.

Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

KEYWORDS: late-life depression; meta-analysis; music therapy

PMID: 27094452 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]