Group Music Therapy with Songwriting for Adult Patients with Long-term Depression (SYNCHRONY Study): a Feasibility and Acceptability Study of the Intervention and Parallel Randomised Controlled Trial Design with Wait-list Control and Nested Process...

Overview

Journal Pilot Feasibility Stud

Publisher Biomed Central

Date 2023 May 5

PMID 37147699

Authors

Catherine Elizabeth Carr

Emma Millard

Merve Dilgul

Cornelia Bent

Donald Wetherick

Jennifer French

Stefan Priebe

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Despite effective treatments, one fifth of patients develop chronic depression. Music therapy may offer a different approach. This study aimed to assess feasibility and acceptability of a music therapy intervention and trial methodology.

Methods: A parallel two-arm randomised controlled trial with wait-list control, mixed feasibility/acceptability measures and nested process evaluation. Adults with long-term depression (symptom duration > 1 year) were recruited from community mental health services and computer randomised to 42 sessions of group music therapy with songwriting three times per week or wait-list control. Depression, social functioning, distress, quality of life, satisfaction and service use were assessed by blinded researchers at enrolment, 1 week and 3 and 6 months post-therapy. Outcomes were analysed descriptively, controlling for baseline covariates. Recruitment (number eligible, participation and retention rates) and intervention (fidelity, adherence) feasibility were assessed using pre-defined stop-go criteria. Attendance, adverse events, mood, relationship satisfaction and semi-structured interviews were analysed in a nested process evaluation.

Results: Recruitment processes were feasible with 421 eligible, 12.7% participation and 60% (18/30) retention. Thirty participants were randomised to intervention (N = 20) and control (N = 10). Session attendance was low (mean 10.5) with four withdrawals. Music therapist adherence was good but changes to session frequency were suggested. Outcomes were available for 10/20 treatment and 9/10 wait-list participants. Depression increased in both arms post-therapy. Treatment depression scores fell below baseline 3 and 6 months post-therapy indicating improvement. Wait-list depression scores increased from baseline 3 and 6 months post-therapy. At 3 months, the treatment arm improved from baseline on all measures except satisfaction and functioning. At 6 months, quality of life, distress and functioning improved with reduction in health service contacts. High-attending participants improved more than low-attending. Seven adverse events (one serious) were reported.

Limitations: As this was a feasibility study, clinical outcomes should be interpreted cautiously.

Conclusion: A randomised controlled trial of group music therapy using songwriting is feasible with inclusion criteria and session frequency modifications, but further intervention development is required.

Trial Registration: ISRCTN18164037 on 26.09.2016.

Citing Articles

Bouncing back after trauma: music therapy, gender, and mental health in conflict-ridden settings.

Alexandre A, Kasherwa A, Balegamire J, Tunangoya J, Mukanga L, Buhendwa F Discov Ment Health. 2025; 5(1):15.

PMID: 39976841 PMC: 11842637. DOI: 10.1007/s44192-025-00137-1.

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