The Neuroscience of Music Processing and Music Interventions for Mental Illness

Abstract

Growing research on music and language processing in recent years has simultaneously enabled us to understand its uses and promise in therapeutic settings. This review used recently published peer-reviewed literature to study the neurobiology of music processing, which includes the auditory processing hierarchy and engagement with language processes. Results showed that music has an impact on emotion systems, particularly the reward pathway and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. Furthermore, listening to music or music therapy for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological diseases demonstrated effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. Overall, music processing is a sophisticated process with some similarities to language processing. Future randomized controlled trials are required to shed light on the neurocognitive aspect of music processing.