Music Therapy as a Nonpharmacological Treatment for Post-Stroke Depression: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a well-documented phenomenon which affects upwards of 30% of stroke survivors. The primary treatment for PSD is pharmacological, and research on nonpharmacological intervention is limited. Music therapy uses music to achieve nonmusical goals, such as physical wellness or emotional regulation. While music therapy is often used to address other areas of stroke recovery, research on using it to treat PSD is also limited. PSD increases post-stroke healthcare costs and mortality rates while decreasing the benefit from rehabilitation services. A scoping review was conducted to evaluate current research on nonpharmacological interventions for PSD. Implications for the application of music therapy for PSD, including a clinical framework for using music therapy to treat PSD, is discussed along with further research needs.