Influence of Music Therapy on the State of Anxiety During Radiotherapy

Abstract

The oncology team aims to use a holistic approach to support the patient while providing an efficient therapy. Currently, various alternatives for supportive care are available. Music therapy is one of the alterna- tive methods used to reduce anxiety.[15] In 2005, the American Music Therapy Association defined music therapy as the clinical and evidence-based use of mu- sic to accomplish individual goals in a therapeutic re- lationship by a credential professional who has com- pleted an approved music therapy program.[16] The use of music therapy as a treatment option dates back to centuries. It was first used by Paragiter in the early 18th century and Dogiel in 1830, especially in patients with psychiatric disorders and those in the intensive care unit and operating rooms.[17,18] Music therapy was suggested to influence physiological responses by affecting blood circulation and pressure. The first use of music therapy in hospitals was in the fields of an- esthesiology and analgesia. In the mid-20th century, researchers began to develop theories to explain the neurological basis of music therapy and investigated the effects of music therapy on physiological param- eters.[19]