MUSIC THERAPY AS A SUPPORT IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC AND MENTAL ILLNESSES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH

Music therapy (MT) represents a contemporary therapeutic method that uses music and musical elements to enhance physical and mental health. As a complementary approach in medicine, MT is increasingly used in the treatment of chronic and mental illnesses, where it contributes to the reduction of pain, anxiety, depressive symptoms, as well as the improvement of quality of life. This review article analyzed 35 studies published between 2020 and 2025. Results show that MT has significant positive effects, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.48 (95% CI: -0.60 to -0.36) for depression, -0.44 (95% CI: -0.58 to -0.30) for anxiety, and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.46 to 0.78) for motor functions in neurorehabilitation. The best results are achieved when interventions are conducted by trained therapists and combine active and receptive methods. Although methodological limitations exist, the findings justify broader integration of MT into clinical protocols.