Using music therapy to improve mental health

Effect of Music Therapy in Mental Subhealth: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Jiangsu Province Nanjing Brain Hospital · NCT05648539

This study is testing if music therapy can help people with depression and anxiety feel better by comparing those who receive therapy to those who wait for it.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorJiangsu Province Nanjing Brain Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT05648539 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of music therapy (MT) in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals experiencing mental subhealth. Participants are randomly assigned to either a music therapy group, which receives 12 sessions of therapy over four weeks, or a waiting group that receives therapy after the initial group. The therapy consists of three stages focusing on relaxation, imagination, and self-exploration, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention. The study aims to provide evidence for music therapy as a viable non-pharmaceutical treatment option for mental health issues.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety, as indicated by scores above 5 on the PHQ-9 or GAD-7 scales.

Not a fit: Patients with acute suicidal thoughts or severe psychiatric disorders such as psychosis or substance misuse may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a non-invasive and effective treatment option for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results for music therapy in mental health treatment, suggesting that this approach is both viable and beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

A total of \> 5 on PHQ-9 or a total of \> 5 on GAD-7

Exclusion Criteria:

Acute suicidal thoughts, With a severe or potentially confounding psychiatric disorder (e.g. psychosis, substance misuse).

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu

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 Depression, AnxietyMusic TherapyAcoustic features
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.