Music on prescription – soon a reality?

Tribal ceremonies in pre-industrial times Worshipping Entertainment Increase motivation of workers, soldiers and athletes Pain-management, relaxation, psychotherapy

Benefits of music Mood management Reduction of stress Improvement of the immune system Means of socialization

”Musicality” No ”music centre” in the brain Specific neural circuits handling pitch, duration, loudness and timbre Combination of exposure as early on as possible in life and growing up in conditions where innate qualities can be used

Mood management Music modulates levels of chemicals and hormones in the brain, such as dopamine and serotone

Reduction of stress Level of a stress hormone called cortisol dropped Patient control of music genre

Reduces pain Stimulates the release of opioid peptides in the brain

Immune system Music beat interacts with a primitive part of the brain (the stem) Chemical effects on the nervous system

Socialisation Singing or making music in a group releases oxytocin

Summary Preliminary results indicate neuro-chemical changes in the brain that support health benefits from interacting with music Music has no side effects, little cost and ”natural” element in our lives Important with self-chosen music and not imposed music

References TRENDS IN COGNITIVE SCIENCES, The neurochemistry of music: Evidence for health outcomes. [online] Available at: [Accessed 20 May 2013 ].Available at: THE HUFFINGTON POST, Music and health: 11 ways playing and listening to music help both body and mind. [online] Available at: body-mind_n_ html#slide=more [Accessed 20 May 2013 ].: body-mind_n_ html#slide=more BLOOMBERG BUSINESS WEEK, How music at the office affects your work life. [online] Available at: office-affects-your-work-life [Accessed 20 May 2013 ].: office-affects-your-work-life NEURON NEURO VIEW, What does it mean to be musical? [online] Available at: Levitin.pdf [Accessed 20 May 2013 ]. Available at: Levitin.pdf