Writers and musicians have proclaimed the beneficial effects of music for centuries, and more recently psychiatric professionals are singing the same tune. Music therapy has become a mainstay in Bridgeport Hospital’s adult and geriatric psychiatry units.

It is also part of collaborative efforts with art and recreation therapy in the hospital’s REACH child and adolescent outpatient programs.

“The benefits of music therapy are well known to psychiatric professionals and well documented in clinical studies,” said Bridgeport Hospital Chairman of Psychiatry Charles Morgan, MD, himself a music aficionado. “Think about it — many people unwind after a tough day at work or a difficult experience by listening to their favorite music.”

Dr Morgan adds that the purpose of music therapy stretches far beyond making patients feel better. In patients being treated for dementia-related disorders, for example, music therapy is provided to reduce agitation, promote positive interactions with others and increase the opportunity for self-expression.

To demonstrate his commitment to music therapy, Dr Morgan arranged for the purchase of an electronic keyboard for the geriatric psychiatry unit to help the staff engage and entertain patients.

“Music is a nonverbal, and in turn, a nonthreatening form of expression,” said Elizabeth Paccione, a certified music therapist at the hospital who is adept at playing a number of musical instruments. “Patients can use elements of music, such as rhythm, dynamics, and tone, to help communicate. In addition, hearing a favorite song often evokes positive memories for people who may otherwise be confused or disoriented.”

Other goals of music therapy include improving mood, reducing agitation and anxiety, developing coping skills and increasing socialization. Approaches depend on individual or group needs, and include improvisation, drumming, songwriting, analyzing lyrics, singing, movement, and relaxation.

“Staff members on our geriatric psychiatry unit were offered their very own drumming circle — with great response!” said Ms Paccione.

Bridgeport Hospital is a 425-bed acute care teaching hospital serving Connecticut’s most populous city and surrounding towns. The hospital provides care to 20,000 inpatients and receives more than 240,000 outpatient visits each year at its main campus and satellite locations.