The Effectiveness of Group Music Therapy as a Treatment for Youths with Depression

Abstract

Adolescents are uniquely susceptible to depression, which is a mood disorder that causes severe symptoms which affect how one thinks, feels, and handles daily activities (Geipel et al.1: National Institute of Health). Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are the two leading modes of treatment for youths, but pharmacotherapy has been found to increase risks of relapse and suicide (Erkkila et al. 2). Within psychotherapy, group music therapy has emerged as a strong treatment option to meet the unique needs of adolescents. Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music intervention to accomplish individualized goals within a therapy program (American Music Therapy Association). Group music therapy allows for connections and interpersonal relationships to be built, provides an alternate form of expression, and has a collaborative aspect; this differentiates group music therapy from other types of therapy. This paper will examine what current treatment options for depression in youths are lacking, different opinions about group music therapy, and challenges against implementation of group music therapy as a widespread treatment method for depression in youths.