Music Therapy Eases Symptoms of Depression

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Psychiatry assessed the effects of music therapy on adults with depression. Researchers synthesized results from multiple controlled studies to measure improvements against standard care or inactive control conditions.

The review found that music therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms, with effect sizes indicating meaningful clinical benefit. Both active participation (such as singing or instrument playing) and receptive methods (listening-based therapy) were shown to be effective.

This evidence highlights music therapy as a scientifically supported intervention that can enrich traditional mental health care. By engaging emotional, cognitive, and social processes, music opens new pathways to healing — offering a low-cost, accessible, and enjoyable form of treatment for those living with depression.