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Tribune News Network
Doha
The concept of using music therapy to address health issues may seem somewhat unusual, but it is becoming an increasingly popular and effective medical tool, physicians and therapists said during the Doha Health Week session hosted by the Qatar Foundation’s (QF) World Innovation Summit for Health.
The panellists explained that music therapy – such as listening to music, singing or playing an instrument – can improve the health outcomes of patients, including children and people suffering from mental illness. Several topics have been addressed, including various treatment methods; patient effectiveness; ability to relieve pain and reduce stress and anxiety; and the overall impact of music on everyday life.
Rula Barghouthi, a music therapist in Jordan, said: “Music therapists work with individuals and small groups, depending on the goals and needs of the individual. Often, patients who can be treated with music suffer from central nervous system disorders, such as speech disorders, and psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression.”
Dr Ghizlane Bendriss, a lecturer at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, said: “Music is used to treat various diseases and conditions, including mental health, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, cerebral palsy and strokes.”
With regard to mental health, Dr. Bendriss added that many studies have shown that listening to music reduces cortisol in the blood, also known as stress hormone, while increasing the level of dopamine, joy hormone, and serotonin, mood hormone. And that music can help you deal with pain management.
“In people with Alzheimer’s, when they listen to music, no new neurons will be produced – once the cells die, they are dead – but music can stimulate memories in the brain,” she said.
Dr. Bendriss also pointed out that drumming, especially in groups, enhances bonding with other people, promotes well-being, helps reduce cortisol, and manages stress, as it requires a lot of concentration.
“Music is part of human behavior and our social development, and it is related to our environment and our external and natural cultural identity,” said Zhivka Pesheva, a faculty member at Qatar Music Academy, part of QF’s Pre-University Education.
“The link between music and emotion seems very clear, because listening to music is the most enjoyable and entertaining activity that people can do on a daily basis. Studies have shown that music has the ability to manage emotions and enhance our mood, promote relaxation, and develop focus.
“People listen to music to improve their mood or to avoid feeling lonely; however, it can also stir up negative emotions so that as teachers and therapists, we need to learn about the different styles of music and study their characteristics so that our mental health is not negatively affected.”
Doha
The concept of using music therapy to address health issues may seem somewhat unusual, but it is becoming an increasingly popular and effective medical tool, physicians and therapists said during the Doha Health Week session hosted by the Qatar Foundation’s (QF) World Innovation Summit for Health.
The panellists explained that music therapy – such as listening to music, singing or playing an instrument – can improve the health outcomes of patients, including children and people suffering from mental illness. Several topics have been addressed, including various treatment methods; patient effectiveness; ability to relieve pain and reduce stress and anxiety; and the overall impact of music on everyday life.
Rula Barghouthi, a music therapist in Jordan, said: “Music therapists work with individuals and small groups, depending on the goals and needs of the individual. Often, patients who can be treated with music suffer from central nervous system disorders, such as speech disorders, and psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression.”
Dr Ghizlane Bendriss, a lecturer at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, said: “Music is used to treat various diseases and conditions, including mental health, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, cerebral palsy and strokes.”
With regard to mental health, Dr. Bendriss added that many studies have shown that listening to music reduces cortisol in the blood, also known as stress hormone, while increasing the level of dopamine, joy hormone, and serotonin, mood hormone. And that music can help you deal with pain management.
“In people with Alzheimer’s, when they listen to music, no new neurons will be produced – once the cells die, they are dead – but music can stimulate memories in the brain,” she said.
Dr. Bendriss also pointed out that drumming, especially in groups, enhances bonding with other people, promotes well-being, helps reduce cortisol, and manages stress, as it requires a lot of concentration.
“Music is part of human behavior and our social development, and it is related to our environment and our external and natural cultural identity,” said Zhivka Pesheva, a faculty member at Qatar Music Academy, part of QF’s Pre-University Education.
“The link between music and emotion seems very clear, because listening to music is the most enjoyable and entertaining activity that people can do on a daily basis. Studies have shown that music has the ability to manage emotions and enhance our mood, promote relaxation, and develop focus.
“People listen to music to improve their mood or to avoid feeling lonely; however, it can also stir up negative emotions so that as teachers and therapists, we need to learn about the different styles of music and study their characteristics so that our mental health is not negatively affected.”
