Music Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether creating and playing songs can reduce anxiety in teens with Sickle Cell Disease. Researchers aim to determine if songwriting, a form of music therapy, is a practical and effective method for these young people to manage anxiety. The trial seeks teens diagnosed with any type of Sickle Cell Disease who receive care at a pediatric center and can read and write in English. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for teens to explore innovative ways to manage anxiety through music therapy.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on music therapy, so it's unlikely that your medications will be affected, but you should check with the trial organizers to be sure.
What prior data suggests that this songwriting intervention is safe for adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease?
Research shows that music therapy, including songwriting, is safe and beneficial for people with sickle cell disease. Studies have found that music therapy can improve quality of life and help manage pain without serious side effects. This indicates that songwriting, as part of music therapy, is generally well-tolerated.
In previous studies with sickle cell patients, music therapy caused no harmful effects. Instead, it reduced anxiety and improved mood, helping people feel better. Therefore, participating in songwriting activities is likely safe for most individuals.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike standard treatments for sickle cell disease, which typically involve medications like hydroxyurea or blood transfusions to manage pain and complications, music therapy introduces a creative and non-pharmacological approach. This songwriting intervention offers a way to help patients express emotions and potentially alleviate pain and stress without the side effects associated with medication. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it could provide a complementary option that enhances the overall well-being of patients by addressing psychological and emotional needs, which are often overlooked in traditional treatments.
What evidence suggests that this songwriting intervention is effective for reducing anxiety in adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease?
Research has shown that music therapy, including the songwriting intervention in this trial, can reduce anxiety in people with sickle cell disease. One study found that music therapy significantly decreased both anxiety and pain in these patients. Another study reported that 92% of participants felt less anxious after music therapy. Music therapy has also effectively managed anxiety and pain in other groups, such as cancer patients. These findings suggest that the songwriting intervention in this trial could effectively manage anxiety in teenagers with sickle cell disease.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
C. Robert Bennett, PhD
Principal Investigator
Mayo Clinic
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease who may experience anxiety. The study seeks participants interested in songwriting as a form of active music therapy to manage their condition.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in a songwriting intervention to help reduce anxiety
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in anxiety, depression, resilience, emotion regulation, and pain-related behaviors
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Songwriting intervention
Trial Overview
The intervention being tested is an active music therapy, specifically songwriting. Adolescents will engage in writing and playing songs to see if it helps reduce their anxiety related to Sickle Cell Disease.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Songwriting intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Mayo Clinic
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Clinical Delivery and Effectiveness of Music Therapy in ...
Music therapy (MT) has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and patients with hematologic and/or oncologic ...
Writing Relaxing Beats in Adolescents Who Have Sickle ...
This research aims to see if songwriting can help reduce anxiety in adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease. The purpose of the study is to ...
Developing Real World Understanding of Medical Music ...
The highest clinical response rates were observed for anxiety (92%), depression (91%), and pain (89%). Conclusions A single, in-person, tailored music therapy ...
Impact of sociodemographic, clinical, and intervention ...
Longer music therapy sessions were more likely to reduce pain ≥2 units. •. Patients with more comorbidities were more likely to report pain reduction ≥2 units.
Music therapy reduces pain and anxiety for patients with ...
Music therapy reduces pain and anxiety for patients with cancer and sickle cell disease. New study published in integrative cancer therapies.
6.
news.uhhospitals.org
news.uhhospitals.org/news-releases/articles/2025/09/large-study-finds-certain-music-therapy-interventions-may-be-more-beneficial-for-painLarge Study Finds Certain Music Therapy Interventions May ...
By contrast, male patients, Medicaid beneficiaries, and patients with sickle cell disease were less likely to report pain reduction ≥2 units ...
The Effects of a Single Electronic Music Improvisation ...
13 For patients with SCD, recent mixed methods RCTs have demonstrated the efficacy of a single electronic music improvisation session for addressing acute pain ...
Effects of Music Therapy on Quality of Life in Adults with Sickle ...
A 6-session music therapy protocol on self-efficacy, quality of life, and coping skills in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD).
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