Expressive Arts Therapy as a Supplemental Treatment for Schizophrenic Symptoms Through a Neurobiological Lens

Author

Kayleigh Houlker, Lesley UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-19-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Elizabeth Kellogg

Abstract

This literature review seeks to investigate 3 modalities under the expressive therapies umbrella, music, art, and dance as possible interventions for reduction of intensity and frequency of symptoms of schizophrenia. By reviewing available literature on the effects schizophrenia has on the brain and comparing that to the available literature on these modalities as they have been studied neurologically, and any literature available on the intersection of these topics, this review attempts to make a case for the use of the arts as in addition to antipsychotic medication to alleviate schizophrenia symptoms. What was found is that music, art, and dance, may produce change in parts of the brain that have been observed to deviate from the structure and functioning of a neurotypical brain in individuals with schizophrenia.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Houlker, Kayleigh, "Expressive Arts Therapy as a Supplemental Treatment for Schizophrenic Symptoms Through a Neurobiological Lens" (2018). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 84.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/84