Abstract

Background and Objectives: Depression is a common global psychiatric disorder. The use of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of depressive symptoms has some disadvantages, such as side effects, long response time, and poor compliance to the medication regime. Various complementary interventions have been sought to reduce depressive symptoms and music listening can be one of it.1 Therefore, this study is done to evaluate the effects of Indian classical music therapy on depression, anxiety, and stress levels in patients with Depression. Method: Depression, Anxiety and S tress levels was assessed by the DASS -21 item questionnaires before and after Indian classical music (Raga-bilahari) therapy in patients with depression. Results: There was statistically significant changes in depression (p=0.016), anxiety (p=0.018) and stress (p=0.025) scores in depression patients after music therapy. Interpretation and Conclusion: Indian classical music (Raga-bilahari) therapy is beneficial in patients with depression, showing decreased levels of depression, anxiety and stress levels.

Authors and Affiliations