A Neurobiological Framework for the Therapeutic Potential of Music and Sound Interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Critical Illness Survivors

Usha Pant, Michael Frishkopf, Tanya Park, Colleen M. Norris and Elizabeth Papathanassoglou
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Usha Pant: Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA), University of Alberta, 11405-87th Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
Michael Frishkopf: Department of Music, Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta, 3-98 Fine Arts Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C9, Canada
Tanya Park: Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA), University of Alberta, 11405-87th Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
Colleen M. Norris: Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA), University of Alberta, 11405-87th Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
Elizabeth Papathanassoglou: Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA), University of Alberta, 11405-87th Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 5, 1-19

Abstract: Overview: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has emerged as a severely debilitating psychiatric disorder associated with critical illness. Little progress has been made in the treatment of post-intensive care unit (ICU) PTSD. Aim: To synthesize neurobiological evidence on the pathophysiology of PTSD and the brain areas involved, and to highlight the potential of music to treat post-ICU PTSD. Methods: Critical narrative review to elucidate an evidence-based neurobiological framework to inform the study of music interventions for PTSD post-ICU. Literature searches were performed in PubMed and CINAHL. The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guided reporting. Results: A dysfunctional HPA axis feedback loop, an increased amygdalic response, hippocampal atrophy, and a hypoactive prefrontal cortex contribute to PTSD symptoms. Playing or listening to music can stimulate neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, enhance brain recovery, and normalize stress response. Additionally, evidence supports effectiveness of music to improve coping and emotional regulation, decrease dissociation symptoms, reduce depression and anxiety levels, and overall reduce severity of PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: Despite the lack of music interventions for ICU survivors, music has the potential to help people suffering from PTSD by decreasing amygdala activity, improving hippocampal and prefrontal brain function, and balancing the HPA-axis.

Keywords: music; post traumatic stress disorder; critical illness; neurobiology; autonomic nervous system; limbic system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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