Author: Julia Yang
Music therapy uses music to improve overall well-being, including mental health. While it's shown to help with issues like anxiety and depression, there's not much research on its use for bipolar disorder. Music can stir strong emotions and activate parts of the brain related to emotions and social bonds. Some studies suggest that singing or listening to calming music might increase oxytocin, a chemical that promotes trust, relaxation, and stability.
Music possesses the ability to evoke intense emotions and stimulate specific regions of the brain associated with emotions and social bonding. Additionally, some studies suggest that engaging in musical activities like singing or listening to soothing tunes may lead to increased levels of oxytocin, a molecule that promotes feelings of trust, relaxation, and psychological stability.
In a 2016 study, it was discovered that music therapy showed that listening to music had a different effect on those with bipolar disorder compared to those without it, as those with bipolar disorder reacted more negatively. This may demonstrate that music can help those with bipolar disorder understand and express their emotions.
Another 2016 study had participants that had bipolar disorder go through group music therapy. At the end of the study, it was shown that the participants were able to reduce their intake of antipsychotics, but not those of any other drug.
Music therapy could be helpful in the treatment of other disorders like substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. In fact, there have been many studies supporting this; for example, in 2020, more than 50 studies were analyzed and it was found that generally, music therapy led to reduced depression, while a 2015 study found that music therapy could relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Though not much research is available on the effects of music therapy on bipolar disorder, its effects on other disorders like anxiety and schizophrenia are clear. Music can evoke strong emotions and activate parts of the brain related to emotions and bonding and so, using the knowledge we have and new knowledge in the future, it is very possible that music therapy can be a new method of treating bipolar disorder.
The Korea Daily Youth Program
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