Telehealth Music Therapy for Adults With Endocrine Disorder and Depression

Of all known chronic illnesses in the United States, it is reported that autoimmune diseases (AD) are the third most common cause, with an estimated five to eight percent of the population living with one or more AD. Adults living with AD often face chronic health challenges, including increased stress, anxiety, pain, discomfort, social isolation, and depression. Additional evidence supports the use of music therapy to supplement traditional pharmacotherapies to improve physical and mental well-being of people with numerous disease states such as trait anxiety, state anxiety, mood disorders, psychological distress, behavioral and emotional problems, and depression. However, there is limited research examining intervention development of music therapy to address psychosocial symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

The investigators propose to conduct an intervention development study with 8-10 adults with a) an autoimmune endocrine disease and b) depression to examine an 8-week telehealth music therapy intervention, enabling them to refine research procedures for a future high priority, full-scale efficacy clinical trial. All participants will receive an 8-week music therapy intervention and usual care, as provided by their medical team (medication management, therapy, and appropriate support for self-management). Collection of outcome measures will occur at baseline and post-intervention (8-weeks). Additionally, the investigators will complete interviews with the participants at the end of the intervention to gain perspectives on intervention and study protocol.

Aim 1 Refine and tailor the 8-week telehealth music therapy intervention to fit the specific, individual needs of adults living with and autoimmune endocrine disease and depression. Using community-engaged research methods, the investigators will accomplish this aim through an iterative process of a) engagement of an advisory panel of adults with AD to provide critical input on the 8-week music therapy intervention prior to, during, and after the intervention delivery; b) refinement of the conceptual framework; and c) interviews with the participants at intervention completion for intervention and study design acceptability.

Adults living with autoimmune diseases and mental health conditions are at a higher risk for adverse health events. Feasibility studies are required to assess innovative interventions to promote their overall health and well-being, to provide the foundation for full-scale complementary health clinical trials that can effectively transform the standards of care for autoimmune diseases, and to advance health in under-resourced communities.

Adults with autoimmune disorders need practitioners who are trained in the impacts of these conditions on physical, social, and emotional wellbeing, utilizing an engaging approach that music therapy (MT) offers. Providing adults living with autoimmune diseases and depression/anxiety services that are specifically tailored to individuals and using a more accessible approach of telehealth has the potential to support adult empowerment, resilience, and coping strategies required to manage chronic condition

Inclusion criteria

• self-reported depression
• self-reported autoimmune endocrine disease
• 18-65 years of age
• have a device that supports the Zoom platform (camera and audio)

Exclusion criteria

• intellectual or developmental disability
• no auto-immune disease
• no depression
• lack of access to device
• under the age of 18 years
• over the age of 65 years