Making music is a universal human trait with roots stretching back 50,000 to 60,000 years. From the earliest musical instruments to the songs our ancestors sang, music has been a cornerstone of human expression and culture. Its presence across civilizations highlights not only its cultural significance but also its profound potential to heal.
Music's ability to foster deep connections goes beyond individual experiences. Shared music experiences can synchronise our heart rate, breathing rate, and even how much we sweat [1]. Even in a dark, silent space, the shared experience of music can foster a deep sense of unity and understanding.
In today's therapeutic landscape, integrating music into treatment practices is emerging as a promising strategy for managing anxiety. When combined with auditory beat stimulation (ABS) in the theta frequency range (4–7 Hz), this approach offers a novel complement to traditional methods such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy. For clinicians, the key considerations are the efficacy of these interventions and their acceptability to clients.
Investigating the Role of Music and ABS in Anxiety Treatment
A recent study exploring this, titled The effects of music & auditory beat stimulation on anxiety: A randomised clinical trial [2] was published in 2022, led by researchers at Toronto University in Canada. It explored the effects of combining calming music with auditory beat stimulation (ABS) in the theta frequency range (4–7 Hz) for individuals with anxiety disorders. This study aimed to assess the impact of these treatments on somatic (body-related) and cognitive (mental) anxiety symptoms.
In this study, 163 participants taking anxiolytics were recruited through an online participant pool platform. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four treatments:
1) Combined music and ABS
2) Music alone
3) ABS alone
4) Pink noise (control)
Results
For individuals with moderate anxiety, both the combined music and ABS and the music-alone conditions resulted in significant reductions in body-related anxiety symptoms, such as increased heart rate and muscle tension. Cognitive anxiety, which affects thought patterns and mental clarity, also saw greater reductions in the combined music and ABS condition compared to the other groups. These findings suggest that the combination of music and ABS may be a more effective approach for managing anxiety in individuals with moderate symptoms.
Why Clients Appreciate Music and ABS
Clients find several benefits in incorporating music and ABS into their anxiety management:
Enhanced Relaxation: Music and ABS create a soothing environment that helps clients achieve a state of relaxation, which supports anxiety reduction.
Personalization: These methods offer tailored interventions that adapt to individual client preferences, enhancing their effectiveness.
Accessibility: Easily integrated into daily routines, music and ABS provide a flexible and convenient approach to managing anxiety.
Reduced Stigma: Clients may feel more at ease with these non-invasive methods compared to traditional exposure therapies, reducing feelings of embarrassment or discomfort.
Wrapping Up
The integration of music and auditory beat stimulation into anxiety treatment offers a holistic approach that can complement traditional therapies. Understanding client responses to these methods is crucial for optimising treatment outcomes and enhancing client engagement.
For clinicians interested in expanding their toolkit, exploring innovative approaches like oVRcome’s digital resources could provide additional support for anxiety management. Ready to integrate cutting-edge techniques into your practice? Discover how oVRcome’s resources can enhance your therapeutic approach. Sign up to our Clinician Portal today and add your first client for free.
References
[1] Tschacher, W., Greenwood, S., Ramakrishnan, S. et al. Audience synchronies in live concerts illustrate the embodiment of music experience. Sci Rep 13, 14843 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-41960-2
[2] Mallik A, Russo FA. The effects of music & auditory beat stimulation on anxiety: A randomised clinical trial. PLoS One. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0259312. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259312. PMID: 35263341; PMCID: PMC8906590.
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