The Effect of Musical Activity on Memory and Attention in Schizophrenia

This study was carried out with the aim of assessing the effect of musical activities on the memory and attention of patients with schizophrenia. 28 men with schizophrenia took part in this research and were studied in two experimental and control groups. The experimental group took part in music therapy sessions. Data were gathered using Weshsler Digit Span Scale, Lezak Letter Cancellation Test and Andreason Scale in the pretest and post-test stages. Music therapy was effective in elevating memory scores (p<0.05, t=-2.18) and attention scores (p<0.01, t=2.5), and its effects were not different in patients with negative and positive symptoms. Adjusted musical stimuli could reduce lack of attention and absent -mindedness in patients with schizophrenia.