title: The role of music therapy in reducing post meal related anxiety for patients with anorexia nervosa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is well known that mealtime is anxiety provoking for patients with Anorexia Nervosa. However, there is little research into effective interventions for reducing meal related anxiety in an inpatient setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study compared the levels of distress and anxiety of patients with Anorexia Nervosa pre and post music therapy, in comparison to standard post meal support therapy. Data was collected using the Subjective Units of Distress (SUDS) scale which was administered pre and post each condition.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 89 intervention and 84 control sessions were recorded. Results from an unpaired t-test analysis indicated statistically significant differences between the music therapy and supported meal conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicated that participation in music therapy significantly decreases post meal related anxiety and distress in comparison to standard post meal support therapy. This research provides support for the use of music therapy in this setting as an effective clinical intervention in reducing meal related anxiety.
authors.affiliation: Mental Health CSU, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084 Victoria Australia ; National Music Therapy Research Unit, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne, 151 Barry Street, Parkville, 3010 Victoria Australia.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bibb
authors.affiliation: The Body Image & Eating Disorders Treatment & Recovery Service (BETRS), St Vincent's Hospital, 104 Studley Park Rd, Kew, 3101 Victoria Australia ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010 Victoria Australia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Castle
authors.affiliation: Mental Health CSU, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084 Victoria Australia ; The Body Image & Eating Disorders Treatment & Recovery Service (BETRS), St Vincent's Hospital, 104 Studley Park Rd, Kew, 3101 Victoria Australia ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010 Victoria Australia.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Newton
keywords: Anorexia nervosa; Meal support therapy; Music therapy