Comparative Effectiveness of Active Art Therapy in Major Depressive Disorder Compared to Standard Group Pharmacotherapy

Abstract

Major Depressive Disorder is mood disorder one of psychiatric disorders such as sadness hopelessnesss boredom poor concentration and decision. Decreased in ability to work. Which may impact the subject ‘s relationship with others and eventually lead to self harm and suicide. Many  researches  found that art  therapy  can  reduce depression  in many groups of  patients.

Objectives : Comparative Effectiveness of Active Art Therapy in Major Depressive Disorder Compared to Standard Group Pharmacotherapy.

Methods : This was quasi – experimental research . The subject were 40 patients with Major Depressive Disorder  receiving  treatment in the outpatients department of Phichit Hospital. Specific assigned into the experimental group and control group. The samples of 20 assigned to be an experimental group that received both pharmacotherapy and art therapy .The rest samples of 20 were assigned to be the control group that received only standard pharmacotherapy. This study used The MADRS scales to assess the depression level on both groups which were before and after the experiment.

Results : After received  art therapy  found lower score of MADRS in both groups. But in the experimental group with art therapy had significantly lower the depression score  than the control group. ( p< 0.001)

Discussion : The results showed  that art therapy can reduce depression in many groups of patients   depend on the target groups  and appropriate activities.

Conclusion : This  study reflect good outcome , that recommended potential choice outcome service and continue to develop adherence therapy which can be more beneficial treatment in order to achieve maximum effectiveness.