Art as medicine: study tests whether theatre, dance, and music ease depression
NCT ID NCT07137572
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether taking part in art activities like theatre, dance, visual arts, music, or cinema can improve mental health. 541 adults with psychiatric diagnoses were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waitlist. Researchers measured changes in depression and anxiety symptoms using standard questionnaires.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Art prescription (theatre, dance, visual arts, music, or cinema)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a low-cost, non-drug way to ease depression and anxiety for people with mental health conditions.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed trial, but results are not yet widely confirmed. The effect may be small or not last long, and it may not work for everyone.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
The University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute 'COSTAS STEFANIS' (UMHRI)
Athens, 11527, Greece
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