Music Therapy for Schizophrenia
(SING_R33 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how music therapy can assist people who hear voices, a common symptom of schizophrenia. Researchers aim to determine whether creating and performing music or simply listening to it affects symptoms differently. Participants will join one of four groups to test various music activities, such as singing karaoke or making playlists. The trial seeks individuals who hear voices daily as part of a psychotic disorder diagnosis. The goal is to identify which musical activities might best improve symptoms related to hearing voices. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance therapeutic options for managing schizophrenia symptoms.
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 prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for participants with schizophrenia?
Research shows that music therapy is generally safe for people with schizophrenia. Studies have found that it can improve mental health and lessen the severity of psychotic symptoms, indicating positive patient responses to these treatments.
In one study with 67 patients, music therapy reduced psychological symptoms without causing major side effects. Another study found that group music activities helped lower the severity of symptoms in people with acute schizophrenia. These findings suggest that music therapy is well-tolerated and can complement traditional treatments.
Overall, evidence indicates that music therapy is a safe option for those with schizophrenia, with no significant negative effects reported in the research.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike the standard treatments for schizophrenia, which often include antipsychotic medications, music therapy offers a non-medical approach that engages patients in a creative process. Researchers are excited about this innovative treatment because it provides a unique way for individuals to express themselves and connect with others through music, which can be particularly beneficial for those who experience auditory hallucinations. This approach not only aims to alleviate symptoms but also enhances social interaction and emotional well-being, potentially offering a holistic complement to traditional care.
What evidence suggests that this trial's musical interventions could be effective for schizophrenia?
Research has shown that music therapy can help people with schizophrenia. A review of 19 studies found that music therapy significantly improved negative and cognitive symptoms of psychosis, with a strong positive impact. Other studies suggest that music therapy can enhance mental health, daily functioning, and quality of life for those with schizophrenia. In this trial, participants will engage in a Musical Intervention, working together in a group with other voice hearers to make music with a trained facilitator for four weekly sessions. Group music activities have lessened the severity of psychotic symptoms. Additionally, music therapy can help individuals who may not respond well to traditional talk therapy. Overall, strong evidence supports the benefits of music therapy for people experiencing schizophrenia.23467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Philip R Corlett, PhD
Principal Investigator
Yale University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
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 for a Trial Participant
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
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
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