Khaberni - A recent study conducted by psychologists Daniel Mullen and Frank Russo from Metropolitan Toronto University shows that 24 minutes of carefully selected music with auditory rhythm stimulation can reduce anxiety.
According to Medical Xpress, anxiety disorders affect millions of people around the world. Although medications and cognitive behavioral therapy remain standard treatments, they are often associated with side effects, high costs, long waiting times, and substantial time commitments. Therefore, digital music therapy is considered an easy and quick way to reduce anxiety symptoms without the need for medication.
The study, conducted by the two scientists, included 144 adults suffering from moderate anxiety who were already taking medication to alleviate it. The participants were randomly divided into four groups: a group that listened to pink noise (24 minutes, as a control group), and groups that listened to music accompanied by auditory rhythmic stimulation for 12, 24, and 36 minutes.
The scientists evaluated anxiety levels and mental state using standardized questionnaires before and after the session. The results showed that music accompanied by auditory rhythmic stimulation reduced cognitive and physical symptoms of anxiety, in addition to improving negative mood, compared to the pink noise (Flicker noise).
It was clear that the most significant effect was during the 24-minute session, which was as effective as a 36-minute listening session, and much better than a 12-minute session.
Scientist Russo said: "We observed a relationship between dose and response, where approximately 24 minutes of music accompanied by rhythmic auditory stimulation seems optimal. This duration is sufficient to significantly change anxiety levels, but it is not long-term, thus requiring the listener to allocate more time for it."
Source: "Izvestia" newspaper
