Nordic Journal of Music Therapy
Volume 27, Issue 1, 2018, Pages 67-86

Feasibility of trauma-focused Guided Imagery and Music with adult refugees diagnosed with PTSD: A pilot study (Article)

Beck B.D.* , Messel C. , Meyer S.L. , Cordtz T.O. , Søgaard U. , Simonsen E. , Moe T.
  • a Aalborg University, Denmark
  • b Psychiatry Region Zealand, Denmark
  • c Psychiatry Region Zealand, Denmark
  • d Psychiatry Region Zealand, Denmark
  • e Psychiatry Region Zealand, Denmark
  • f Copenhagen University, Denmark
  • g Psychiatry Region Zealand, Denmark

Abstract

Traumatized refugees seeking treatment in special units of psychiatry are in need of treatment options that can help them stabilize and cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their everyday life. Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) has improved psychological health for clinical populations including trauma survivors with PTSD. Prior to the implementation of a randomized controlled study, a clinical non-controlled study was carried out to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a trauma-focused modification of GIM combined with standard treatment with medication, and to examine the suitability of chosen instruments to measure reduction of PTSD symptoms in refugees. Sixteen adult refugees with PTSD were enrolled and they all completed 16 one-hour individual sessions. Pre–post measures of PTSD symptoms, sleep quality, well-being and social function demonstrated significant changes with large effect sizes. Evaluation of the single sessions showed that participants found the therapy acceptable and helpful. All participants used music listening for self-care in their homes between sessions. The findings indicate that trauma-focused modified GIM was well accepted and has a potential as an effective treatment for refugees with PTSD. A larger randomized controlled trial to validate these findings is warranted. © 2017 GAMUT–The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre.

Author Keywords

pilot Refugees feasibility Guided Imagery and Music PTSD trauma

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85014737274&doi=10.1080%2f08098131.2017.1286368&partnerID=40&md5=d830d1080f7d7f4407e9b57aa5977bc1
DOI: 10.1080/08098131.2017.1286368
ISSN: 08098131
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English