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

Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2016 Nov;31(11):1188-1198. doi: 10.1002/gps.4494. Epub 2016 Apr 19.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Music Therapy* / methods
  • Music Therapy* / standards
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic