Music Therapy for Schizophrenia
(SING_R33 Trial)
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
No, you don't need to stop your current medications. You must have at least 2 weeks of stable doses of psychotropic medications before participating.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants have at least 2 weeks of stable doses of their current psychotropic medications, so you will not need to stop taking them. Your medication type and dose will be recorded and considered in the study analysis.
What data supports the idea that Music Therapy for Schizophrenia is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that music therapy can be an effective treatment for schizophrenia. One study found that group music activities significantly reduced the severity of psychotic symptoms in patients with acute schizophrenia. Another study showed that music therapy improved social interaction and reduced negative symptoms in patients with residual schizophrenia. Additionally, a systematic review indicated that music therapy can help manage symptoms like depression and anxiety, improve social and cognitive functioning, and enhance quality of life. Compared to other treatments, music therapy is beneficial because it has no side effects and is relatively inexpensive.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Musical Intervention, Song-making In a Group (SING), Musical Intervention (MI) for schizophrenia?
Research shows that music therapy, including group music activities, can help reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, such as psychotic symptoms and depression, and improve social interaction and quality of life. Studies have found that both active participation in music and listening to music can be beneficial, especially when done in a group setting.12345
What safety data exists for music therapy in treating schizophrenia?
The available research indicates that music therapy, including various forms such as active, receptive, and combined, has been studied for its effects on schizophrenia. The studies reviewed suggest that music therapy can improve symptoms and quality of life without side effects. A systematic review and meta-analysis found significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life, and a randomized controlled trial reported no side effects, highlighting music therapy as a safe and potentially effective adjunct treatment for schizophrenia.12567
Is music therapy safe for people with schizophrenia?
Is music therapy a promising treatment for schizophrenia?
How is the music therapy treatment for schizophrenia unique compared to other treatments?
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a musical intervention called SING for people with psychotic illnesses who hear voices and have social difficulties. The goal is to see if musical activities can help improve their symptoms by changing how their brain processes experiences. Singing has been used in language rehabilitation for decades, with various studies suggesting its potential benefits for neurological and speech disorders.
Research Team
Philip R Corlett, PhD
Principal Investigator
Yale University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals who hear voices daily and have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-V. They must exhibit moderate hallucinations, be able to give informed consent, interact well with the study team, and likely complete the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in the SING intervention, involving music-making activities in groups with a trained facilitator
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in language use, social belief updating, and conditioned hallucinations
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Musical Intervention
Musical Intervention is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Psychotic illnesses
- Conditioned Hallucinations
- Social Reinforcement Learning
- Language Use
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Yale University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator