The Effect of Art Therapy on Disease Severity and Anxiety Levels in Inpatients at a Psychiatry Clinic

Mental health is currently defined as a significant public health issue on a global scale. Mental disorders manifest across a wide spectrum, ranging from mild anxiety disorders to behavioral abnormalities. Psychiatric illnesses not only diminish individuals' quality of life but also impose substantial social and economic burdens on healthcare systems.

Alternative and complementary treatment methods are gaining increasing importance in alleviating this burden. In this context, art therapy has recently attracted attention as a supportive method in psychiatric treatments. The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) defines art therapy as "a form of psychotherapy in which art materials are used as the primary medium of expression and communication," whereas the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) defines it as "a mental health and human services profession that integrates creative processes, psychological theory, and human experience".

Art therapy represents a multidimensional approach that encompasses various practices such as drama therapy, dance-movement psychotherapy, body therapy, music therapy, painting, drawing, and crafts. This form of therapy aims to promote recovery not only at the mental level but also at the physical and emotional levels in the treatment of psychiatric disorders .

Research has shown that art therapy enhances individual expressive abilities, facilitates emotion regulation, and provides a personalized healing process. It has been demonstrated to yield effective results particularly in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, and mood disorders. Furthermore, its effectiveness in reducing depression in elderly individuals has been supported by randomized controlled trials. Similarly, studies on reducing anxiety levels in children have also reported positive outcomes.

This study aims to investigate the effect of art therapy practices on disease severity and anxiety levels among inpatients in a psychiatric ward, using a randomized controlled trial design. The originality of this study lies in its implementation of art therapy with individuals hospitalized in an acute psychiatric ward. In this regard, examining the direct impact of art therapy within the clinical process has the potential to provide significant practical contributions for both practitioners and the healthcare system.

Inclusion criteria

Age 18 years or older.

Currently hospitalized in the psychiatry clinic and expected to remain hospitalized during the study period.

No medical condition such as intellectual disability or organic mental disorder that would interfere with the administration of scales and tests.

A PANSS score of ≤62 (since a score of 61 is considered the remission criterion in schizophrenia, patients scoring 62 or below will be included).

A score between 5-18 on the Young Mania Rating Scale.

Receiving treatment in the clinic for at least 3 days.

Providing verbal and/or written informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Being in an acute psychotic episode or having severe psychotic symptoms (e.g., severe delusions, hallucinations) making the patient unsuitable for group participation.

Clinical conditions involving excessive agitation or homicidal risk that make group participation inappropriate.

Inability to actively participate in art therapy due to visual, hearing, or severe motor impairments.

Patients for whom discharge is planned during the clinical course (e.g., those scheduled for discharge in less than 3 days).

Diagnosis of an organic mental disorder (e.g., dementia, delirium).

Severe physical illness or motor impairment preventing participation in group activities