Effects of music therapy on infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

The Effect of Music Therapy on Neonates Diagnosed With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT03533985

This study is testing if music therapy can help calm and support infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome who were exposed to drugs before birth.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages28 Weeks and up
SexAll
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other
Locations6 sites (New Orleans, Louisiana and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03533985 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This exploratory pilot study investigates the impact of six different music therapy interventions on the pacification, stabilization, and development of infants diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The study involves administering six music therapy sessions over a 14-day period, utilizing a randomized treatment schedule. The aim is to determine if live music therapy can improve outcomes for neonates affected by NAS, a condition resulting from exposure to opiates in utero.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants admitted to the NICU immediately postpartum, with a gestational age of 28 weeks or older, and without any identified hearing disorders or developmental disabilities.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with gestational ages less than 28 weeks, diagnosed developmental disabilities, or those who are not medically cleared to participate.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive therapeutic option to improve the well-being of infants suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While music therapy has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach for treating Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Infants who meet the following inclusion criteria will be eligible to participate in the study irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, or gender:

* Admitted to the NICU immediately postpartum
* Gestational age 28 weeks or older
* No identified hearing disorder
* Do not have a diagnosed developmental disability (i.e. Down Syndrome)
* Do not have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
* Medically cleared to participate in the study by nurse or neonatologist
* Parent or legal guardian able/willing to give consent \& complete the PBQ (Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Admitted to the NICU at any time other than immediately postpartum
* Gestational age \<28 weeks old
* Has an identified hearing disorder
* Has diagnosed developmental disability (i.e. Down syndrome)
* Has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
* Is not medically cleared to participate in the study by the nurse or neonatologist
* Parent or legal guardian unable/unwilling to give consent

Where this trial is running

New Orleans, Louisiana and 5 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions NASNeonatal Abstinence SyndromeMusic therapyAttachmentMusic medicineMulti-modal stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.