Treating Depression and Other Disorders
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2025 8:49 am
Music and music therapy have been useful in treating children and teens with autism, Asperger's, and other autism spectrum disorders since the 1950s. Exposure to music has been shown to open up a wider range of emotions and improve communication and learning for people with autism. This is because music creates a secure structure and predictable environment, which brings comfort in unfamiliar or stressful settings. A child who is comfortable in his environment is more likely to interact with the world around him. At the same time, music can change quickly with irregular beats and patterns, encouraging spontaneous experiences of play and excitement. Meaningful play often reduces obsessive-compulsive patterns and self-harm in people with autism. Because of the nonverbal, non-threatening nature of music, children relate to the notes and rhythms in more productive ways than their interactions with people.
For decades, autism experts have noted that autistic children email data unusual sensitivities to music. Some are entirely intolerant of sound, while others have flawless pitch and play instruments with remarkable musicality. According to researchers, some autistic children can learn complete responses when questions and answers are incorporated into a song. People with autism also have made progress in self-awareness, turn-taking, and listening and responding to another person by playing an instrument, banging on drums, or engaging in some form of music-making.
When teachers or therapists use instruments or their own voice to respond to the sounds, cries, and body movements of a child with autism, they encourage the student to create his own language and engage in two-way communication. Studies have confirmed that improvisational music therapy can increase the communicative behavior of children and teens with autism, and that these skills are generalized to real-life contexts like interactions with parents.
Listening to or creating music may also be effective in treating depression. A review by the Cochrane Collaboration, a nonprofit group that reviews health care issues, found that in four out of five randomized trials, music therapy worked better at easing depression symptoms than therapies that didn't involve music. Researchers noted that while music therapy may not be highly effective when used alone, it is exceptionally useful for teens that are likely to reject a traditional form of counseling.
Evidence also suggests music may be useful in treating eating disorders and ADD/ADHD. In combination with other treatments and medications, music can elicit a calming, sedative effect that slows the heart rate, releases emotion, and reduces stress and anxiety. For children and teens with ADD/ADHD, music can help with managing behavior, focusing on a designated task, and controlling motor impulsivity.
Music is one of the simple joys in life. A catchy beat or soothing melody can provide a sense of control, release of negative feelings, and boost in mood and outlook. Of course, any program in the arts is intended to supplement other therapies and will not resolve behavioral or attention deficits on its own. However, music and the arts can play an important role in helping struggling teens, and should be offered as part of a well-rounded therapeutic boarding school program.
For decades, autism experts have noted that autistic children email data unusual sensitivities to music. Some are entirely intolerant of sound, while others have flawless pitch and play instruments with remarkable musicality. According to researchers, some autistic children can learn complete responses when questions and answers are incorporated into a song. People with autism also have made progress in self-awareness, turn-taking, and listening and responding to another person by playing an instrument, banging on drums, or engaging in some form of music-making.
When teachers or therapists use instruments or their own voice to respond to the sounds, cries, and body movements of a child with autism, they encourage the student to create his own language and engage in two-way communication. Studies have confirmed that improvisational music therapy can increase the communicative behavior of children and teens with autism, and that these skills are generalized to real-life contexts like interactions with parents.
Listening to or creating music may also be effective in treating depression. A review by the Cochrane Collaboration, a nonprofit group that reviews health care issues, found that in four out of five randomized trials, music therapy worked better at easing depression symptoms than therapies that didn't involve music. Researchers noted that while music therapy may not be highly effective when used alone, it is exceptionally useful for teens that are likely to reject a traditional form of counseling.
Evidence also suggests music may be useful in treating eating disorders and ADD/ADHD. In combination with other treatments and medications, music can elicit a calming, sedative effect that slows the heart rate, releases emotion, and reduces stress and anxiety. For children and teens with ADD/ADHD, music can help with managing behavior, focusing on a designated task, and controlling motor impulsivity.
Music is one of the simple joys in life. A catchy beat or soothing melody can provide a sense of control, release of negative feelings, and boost in mood and outlook. Of course, any program in the arts is intended to supplement other therapies and will not resolve behavioral or attention deficits on its own. However, music and the arts can play an important role in helping struggling teens, and should be offered as part of a well-rounded therapeutic boarding school program.