A Systematic Review: The Potential Role of Instrumental Music in Managing Psychosis

Instrumental music has been recognized for its therapeutic potential, particularly in reducing agitation and distress in individuals with a history of psychosis. In the medical context, numerous studies have highlighted the efficacy of music therapy in alleviating symptoms of psychosis. However, a comprehensive review of this body of work is limited. Till date, there have only been six systematic reviews identified, with just two conducted in the past eight years. This systematic literature review aims to consolidate and discuss current findings on the effect of instrumental music in managing psychotic episodes. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a search across five major databases – ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, DOAJ, and Google Scholar – resulting in the identification of 12 peer-reviewed studies for inclusion. Key topics explored in this review include: (1) the efficacy of instrumental music in reducing psychotic triggers across different demographic groups; (2) its impact on various forms of clinical psychosis; (3) the influence of music duration on treatment outcomes; (4) the comparative effectiveness of different genres of instrumental music; and (5) theoretical frameworks that underpin the therapeutic mechanisms of music in psychosis management. The findings support the potential of instrumental music as an adjunctive therapy in reducing psychotic symptoms, with implications for both clinical practice and future research. Further longitudinal studies are recommended, particularly those involving diverse population groups and extended follow-up periods, to better understand the sustained impact of music therapy on psychosis, both during clinical treatment and post-discharge.