Schizophrenia

Problem Areas for clients

[P A] The American Psychological Association categorized symptoms of Schizophrenia into eight areas of disturbances:

Content of thought- delusions
Form of thought- loose associations, flight of thought
Perception- hallucinations
Affect- blunted, flat, or inappropriate
Sense of self- loss of ego boundaries
Volition- lack of interest or drive
Relationship to external world- withdrawal into fantasy
Psychomotor behavior- pacing, rocking, hypo-activity, hyperactivity, or bizarre behaviors
Other possible problems: paranoia and disorganized speech

[M S, G] Music therapy goals for targeting those areas:

Re-establish client with reality
Draw client away from delusions and hallucinations
Open communication with people around client
Identify and express emotions
Reduce stress and anxiety
Control aggressive and destructive impulses
Learn adaptive behavior patterns which allow client to function normally in society

[M S, T] Music therapy activities for treatment of these problems:

Singing or scatting
Lyric analysis
Song writing- individually or in a group setting
Folk dance or structured dance
Improvisational instrumental music
Music and relaxation
Group guitar lessons