Efficacy of a combined nursing intervention of music therapy and art therapy in generalized anxiety

Abstract

Introduction: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects 6.7% of the population in Spain. Integrating therapies such as music therapy and art therapy has shown promise, but studies combining both techniques are scarce. This study evaluates the effects of a nursing intervention that combines both therapies. Objective: to assess the impact of a combined nursing intervention of music therapy and art therapy to reduce anxiety in patients diagnosed with GAD. Material and methods: a quasi-experimental study was carried out with 20 patients divided into two groups: an intervention group (sample size [n] = 10), which received six weekly sessions of music therapy and art therapy, and a control group (n = 10). Anxiety was measured with the Hamilton Rating Scale, and emotional states with the Mood Assessment Scale (EVEA), together with an evaluation of satisfaction with treatment using the Consumer Reports Effectiveness Scale (CRES-4). The analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. Conclusions: the combined nursing intervention of music therapy and art therapy is effective in reducing anxiety in patients with GAD. These findings show potential for integration into mental health nursing clinical practice.