Can the rhythm and music therapy TaKeTiNa alleviate the symptoms of depressed patients and possibly even strengthen the immune system? A new study by the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Universitätsklinkum Erlangen will investigate this in October 2020. The first information events for interested parties will take place in September 2020.
In TaKeTiNa therapy, syllable combinations such as GaMaLaTaKi, GaMaLaTa are spoken to the rhythm of a drum in TaKeTiNa and repeated over and over again. Participants also take steps and emphasize individual sounds by clapping while they are guided throughout by a rhythm therapist. TaKeTiNa was founded by composer and musician Reinhard Flatischler and has been used for more than 20 years in the clinical environment. The approach has already been used as a supplementary therapy for pain, burn-out, trauma and depression. "We now want to explore scientifically how helpful TaKeTiNa can be for people with depression. This is the first research project of this kind ever," explains study director Dr. Claudia von Zimmermann from the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen.
Depression in the blood
"TaKeTiNa anchors consciousness in the here and now," explains rhythm educator and specialist for internal medicine Dr. Ali Behzad from the Department of Medicine 5 - Haematology and Oncology (Director: Prof. Dr. Andreas Mackensen) at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen. "Through rhythmic speaking and movement, the participants build an ever stronger connection to themselves and to their inner strength. They become psychologically, emotionally and physically more resilient. Repeated practice over several weeks may have a lasting effect on alleviating depression" says Dr. Behzad. Through the change between stabilisation and destabilisation, the confidence of the participants grows with the rhythm, which is always there and supports them and this effect is carried over into growing confidence in the life that carries them just like the rhythm does.
In addition to the influence on depressive symptoms, the research project aims to clarify whether TaKeTiNa also affects the immune system and whether blood levels change as a result of music therapy - such as LDL cholesterol, which is associated with depression, or certain inflammatory levels. "We want to help better understand the biological, measurable aspects of depression and specifically treat the disease," explains Dr. Christiane Mühle, head of the working group at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Universitätsklinkum Erlangen. Dr. Behzad has investigated the influence of TaKeTiNa in a pilot study on leukaemia patients who had received a stem cell transplant in 2018. The study showed an improved quality of life and a trend towards fewer rejection reactions among TaKeTiNa participants.
Call for 18- to 70-year-old participants
The first round of the new depression study will start in October 2020 - two more rounds are planned for April and October 2021. Music therapy in the group lasts eight weeks with one appointment each week. People between 18 and 70 years of age who have been diagnosed with depression can register to participate. "Every prospective participant is examined in advance in the psychiatry outpatient clinic to ensure their suitability," explains Dr. Claudia von Zimmermann. The level of depression is assessed monthly using questionnaires and several blood samples.
