Improvisational music therapy and the rehabilitation of persons suffering from chronic schizophrenia.

Explored whether improvisational music therapy can play a significant role in the rehabilitation of chronic schizophrenic patients. 21 treatment patients (mean age 37.8 yrs) suffering from schizophrenia and 20 controls (mean age 38.7 yrs) attended a series of 10 weekly, individual music therapy sessions. The Music Interaction Rating for Schizophrenia was used to take into account what appeared to be peculiarities of the chronic schizophrenic state. Schizophrenic Ss improved in their clinical status and in their level of musical interaction with the therapist compared to control Ss. Results suggest that, in addition to improving patients' quality of life, regular, individual music therapy invites, encourages, and supports the development of an intimate, nonverbal interaction and enhances the quality of patients' communicative skills.