Audio-Based Therapy for Anxiety in Psoriasis

(PsOUND-PSO Trial)

AS
Overseen ByAmélie Spangenberg, Psoriasis Clinical Research Fellow, MBBS
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how audio-based therapy can reduce anxiety in people with psoriasis. Participants will listen to either a special music playlist (music therapy) or pink noise for about 23-30 minutes. The goal is to determine if these audio therapies can improve anxiety symptoms, which are common in those with psoriasis. Individuals diagnosed with psoriasis by a dermatologist, who experience anxiety, and can use a smartphone or computer with headphones, might be suitable for this study. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapies that could enhance quality of life.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial organizers or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that music therapy is a safe treatment option, as it involves no invasive procedures and remains affordable. Studies have found no harmful effects from music therapy, making it a promising choice for managing anxiety, including anxiety related to psoriasis. Music therapy has demonstrated benefits in reducing anxiety and stress and improving speaking skills in various situations. With no reported side effects, it is considered a well-tolerated option for those seeking to manage anxiety.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about audio-based therapy for anxiety in psoriasis because it offers an innovative, non-pharmacological approach. Unlike standard treatments for psoriasis-related anxiety, which often involve medication or cognitive behavioral therapy, this approach uses sound to potentially ease symptoms. Music therapy involves listening to a specially curated playlist designed to soothe and engage the brain, while pink noise provides a steady, calming background sound. This method is unique because it leverages auditory stimulation to target anxiety, offering a potentially side-effect-free alternative to traditional treatments.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for anxiety in psoriasis?

Research has shown that music therapy, one of the treatments in this trial, can help reduce anxiety. Studies have found that music can lower anxiety levels by about 11% in people with conditions like cancer. Another study found that music therapy can also reduce stress and anger, leading to better overall well-being. This method has been compared to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and has shown similar effectiveness in reducing anxiety both in the short term and long term. For people with psoriasis, music therapy has also been promising in reducing symptoms like the urge to scratch, which can help manage anxiety related to the condition. Participants in this trial will receive either music therapy or pink noise, a sham comparator, to evaluate their effects on anxiety in psoriasis.26789

Who Is on the Research Team?

WL

Wilson Liao, MD

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with psoriasis who also experience anxiety. It's designed to help those looking for an accessible way to manage their anxiety symptoms without the need for traditional mental health resources.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with psoriasis by a dermatologist.
GAD 2-Item Score ≥1 at screening
I am 18 years old or older.
See 2 more

Exclusion Criteria

I must avoid loud noises due to a medical condition like epilepsy.
Severe hearing impairment precluding headphone listening
I don't have any health conditions that would make it unsafe for me to join or that would affect the study's anxiety or psoriasis assessments.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants listen to audio-based therapy or pink noise for 23-30 minutes

1 session
1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in anxiety, mood, and itch severity after the intervention

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Music Therapy
  • Pink Noise

Trial Overview

The study is testing audio-based therapies, specifically music therapy and pink noise, to see if they can reduce anxiety in people with psoriasis. The effectiveness will be measured by changes in overall symptoms.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Music TherapyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Pink NoisePlacebo Group1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials
2,636
Recruited
19,080,000+

Citations

Effectiveness of music therapy: a summary of systematic ...

The results suggest that music interventions may have a beneficial effect on anxiety in people with cancer, with a reported average anxiety reduction of 11.20 ...

Effects of Medical Resonance Therapy Music on patients ...

In the experimental groups the measurements showed a reduction of blood pressure and heart rate and revealed an enhanced reduction of the stimulus to scratch ...

Music therapy for the treatment of anxiety: a systematic ...

These findings support the use of music therapy as an effective intervention for reducing anxiety, with inclusive but promising effects on physiological ...

Effect of group music therapy on state-anxiety and well- ...

The results showed a statistically significant reduction in stress, anger, and anxiety for the music therapy group, but also a reduction of stress and anxiety ...

Music Therapy Versus Cognitive Behavioral ...

The trial confirmed the primary hypothesis that music therapy was as effective as CBT for short- and long-term anxiety reduction. In a meta- ...

The Effects of Audio-Based Therapy on Anxiety in Psoriasis

Audio-based therapy offers convenient and effective interventions that show reduced anxiety in published, randomized studies and is a promising ...

Effects of music therapy on anxiety: A meta-analysis ...

Music therapy is safe because of non-invasiveness, inexpensive nature and lack of adverse effects[7]. Moreover, music therapy is considered as an ...

The role of music listening in the music therapy process for ...

The data were collected by interviewing eight music therapists with experience of patients with anxiety disorders. The data were analyzed with ...

Group music therapy for the proactive management of stress ...

Engaging in music therapy has led to improvements in verbal fluency, reduced anxiety, reduced symptoms of depression, reduced pain perception, improved ...