Multimodal Music Therapy for Children With Anxiety Disorders

Multimodal music therapy (MT) for children ages 8 to 12 years with anxiety disorders is compared to community treatment as usual (TAU). 36 children were randomized either to MT or to TAU. Primary outcome is presence of an anxiety disorder at the end of treatment. Secondary outcomes are self- and parent-/teacher reported anxiety, co-morbid psychological symptoms, and quality of life. Stability of outcome is assessed six months after the end of treatment.

Patients were enrolled in a community clinic and in an outpatient clinic for child and adolescent psychiatry/psychotherapy. Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (separation anxiety disorder, general anxiety disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, or other anxiety disorder); age 8-12; no medication or stable medication during treatment; IQ>80; informed consent of caregivers and informed assent of patients. Outcome measures. Kiddie-SADS; STAIC-C, SPAIC, CDI; SDQ teacher report; CBCL 4-18; ILK quality of life inventory. Assessment time points: pre-intervention; post-intervention; 6-months follow-up.

• Behavioral: Multimodal music therapy
• Behavioral: Community treatment as usual

• Experimental: Multimodal music therapy
  Multimodal music therapy comprises 16 sessions single music therapy, group music therapy (max. 6 children/group), parent-child sessions, and parent counseling. The manualized treatment integrates music therapy, behavioral interventions, and family-oriented interventions.
  Intervention: Behavioral: Multimodal music therapy
• Active Comparator: community treatment as usual
  Intervention: Behavioral: Community treatment as usual

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 8-12 years
• diagnosis of an anxiety disorder
• IQ>80
• informed consent and assent

Exclusion Criteria:

• anxiety disorder is not primary focus of treatment