title: Music therapy for children and adolescents with behavioural and emotional problems: a randomised controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although music therapy (MT) is considered an effective intervention for young people with mental health needs, its efficacy in clinical settings is unclear. We therefore examined the efficacy of MT in clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and fifty-one child (8-16 years, with social, emotional, behavioural and developmental difficulties) and parent dyads from six Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service community care facilities in Northern Ireland were randomised to 12 weekly sessions of MT plus usual care [n = 123; 76 in final analyses] or usual care alone [n = 128; 105 in final analyses]. Follow-up occurred at 13 weeks and 26 weeks postrandomisation. Primary outcome was improvement in communication (Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales) (SSIS) at 13 weeks. Secondary outcomes included social functioning, self-esteem, depression and family functioning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference for the child SSIS at week 13 (adjusted difference in mean 2.4; 95% CI -1.2 to 6.1; p = .19) or for the guardian SSIS (0.5; 95% CI -2.9 to 3.8; p = .78). However, for participants aged 13 and over in the intervention group, the child SSIS communication was significantly improved (6.1, 95% CI 1.6 to 10.5; p = .007) but not the guardian SSIS (1.1; 95% CI -2.9 to 5.2; p = .59). Overall, self-esteem was significantly improved and depression scores were significantly lower at week 13. There was no significant difference in family or social functioning at week 13.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While the findings provide some evidence for the integration of music therapy into clinical practice, differences relating to subgroups and secondary outcomes indicate the need for further study. ISRCTN Register; ISRCTN96352204.
authors: Department of Social Sciences and Social Work, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK.
authors: Sam
authors: S
authors: Porter
authors: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
authors: Tracey
authors: T
authors: McConnell
authors: School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
authors: Katrina
authors: K
authors: McLaughlin
authors: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
authors: Fiona
authors: F
authors: Lynn
authors: School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Cardwell
authors: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
authors: Hannah-Jane
authors: HJ
authors: Braiden
authors: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
authors: Jackie
authors: J
authors: Boylan
authors: School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
authors: Valerie
authors: V
authors: Holmes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012649:Self Concept; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D066107:Social Skills
keywords: Music therapy; adolescents; children; communication skills; mental health