MUSIC AND BODY EXPRESSION THERAPY IN THE REHABILITATION OF CHRONIC-SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS

This paper describes the work done with a group of patients with chron ic schizophrenia (N = 33) in an activity therapy treatment program, us ing music therapy and expressive movement therapy. The program lasted 14 months. The sample was divided into an experimental (n = 17) and a control (n = 16) group. Both groups had similar diagnostic and sociode mographic characteristics. Patients were evaluated before and after th e treatment program, with the Therapy Intake Assessment for Psychiatri c Patients (7). The results of both groups were compared, and no signi ficant statistical differences were found after the therapeutic interv ention. Nevertheless, when individual scores for each scale of the que stionnaire were analyzed (self concept, interpersonal relationships, a ltruism/optimism and leisure time use), a higher number of patients of the experimental group showed an increase in the scores of 3 out of t he 4 of scalps. Subjects of the control group increased their score in one of the scales. During the clinical work, patients showed improvem ent in their social skills and interaction, and in the use of leisure time, although these changes were not shown in the Assessment Instrume nt. This paper proposes that adequate forms of clinical evaluation are to be used or created for music therapy and creative movement therapy interventions, so that the changes shown by the patients can be repor ted and therefore considered as part of a clinically successful progra m.