Dance Movement Therapy in the Treatment of Depressed Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

This research investigates the outcomes of dance movement therapy (DMT) groups in the treatment of adults with depression. In total, 157 participants were involved. Of them, 109 were randomized into DMT group (n = 52) or control group (n = 57). The rest of the participants participated in non-randomized DMT groups. All participants met the criteria for the eligibility for rehabilitation psychotherapy, had depression diagnosed by a doctor, and the severity of depression threatened the ability to work/ study. All participants received treatment as usual during the research. DMT-intervention was facilitated by a dance movement therapist and included 20 x 75 mins sessions within 10 weeks. Depressive symptoms (BDI), physical and psychological distress (CORE-OM, SCL-90), ability to work/study, and body image were assessed at three measurement points: pre-measurement at the baseline, post-measurement 10 weeks after the pre-treatment measurement, and a follow-up measurement three months after the post-treatment measurement.

This research includes a larger number of participants (N = 109) than have been involved in previous studies utilising randomised controlled trials in research designs. The research generates further information about the effectiveness of dance movement therapy groups in the rehabilitation of depression as it was conducted in five cities across Finland. This type of multi-centre research can provide a realistic picture of the typical practice of a range of dance movement therapists working with participants in various geographic locations.

Inclusion criteria

• The participant needed to have a diagnoses of depression by a psychiatrist or general practitioner (ICD -diagnostic system). The researchers checked that the participants were working age (18-65 years of age) and fulfilled the criteria for rehabilitative psychotherapy in Finland: at least three months of relevant treatment since depression was diagnosed; the participants' ability to work or study is impaired by depression; a psychiatrist has determined that rehabilitative psychotherapy is necessary to improve or support the participant's ability to work or study.

Exclusion criteria

• active suicidal ideation; psychotic symptoms; substance misuse that is on a critical level. Also, interviewees who had pain-related problems that restricted daily life or were pregnant were not admitted to the study.