Work

Symphony of healing: Investigating the effects of integrating music therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT) on depression

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Although Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are established treatments for depression, the effects of combining them with music therapy, a non-invasive, cost-effective adjunct, remain underexplored. In this multicenter randomized controlled trial (MC-RCT) with a four-arm parallel-group design, participants (n = 230) with DSM-5 MDD criteria from five major Iranian cities were randomized into four groups: Music Therapy + DIT, Music Therapy + CBT, Music Therapy alone, and Low-Intensity Therapy (LIT). Key outcome measures included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-d-17) for depressive symptoms, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality, and the Stroop Test for cognitive performance. Assessments were performed at baseline, mid-treatment (8 weeks), post-treatment (16 weeks), and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Data analysis involved mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. All active interventions reduced depressive symptoms, improved sleep, and enhanced cognition by week 16. MT+DIT showed the greatest and most sustained gains: 40.85 % symptom reduction, 44.26 % sleep improvement, and marked cognitive enhancements (45.85 % in cognitive flexibility, 40 % in processing speed, 75.05 % in selective attention, and 53.17 % in cognitive inhibition) at the 12-month follow-up. MT+CBT had substantial but less enduring effects. MT alone showed moderate initial improvement that declined at follow-up. These findings support the inclusion of music therapy combined with psychodynamic approaches in mental health treatment protocols, offering a viable, non-pharmacological option for comprehensive depression care.

Source: Psychiatry Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116829

Authors: Hamid Yari-Renani, Tahereh Zare

Institutions: Goldsmiths University of London, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Islamic Azad University of Ayatollah Amoli

Language: English

Topic: Music Therapy and Health

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,230