Neurological research on music therapy for mental health: A summary of imaging and research methods

Abstract

This article focuses on the use of neuroimaging to investigate the neural processes and outcomes of music therapy interventions for mental health populations. Through a review of literature, the authors present research in this area, the kinds of neuroimaging tools available, and the opportunities and challenges each of these tools offers for music therapy research. We also discuss the primary research designs that can be used for each of these neuroimaging tools, including their strengths and weaknesses. Given the available options for neuroimaging and research design, we posit specific research questions that would advance research and clinical applications in music therapy interventions for mental health populations. For the purposes of this article, "mental health" includes psychiatric diagnoses (traditional DSM Axis I and II) and addictions. This definition covers mood disorders and psychosis in children and excludes developmental disorders and ADD/ADHD.