Biomedical Foundations of Music as Therapy

The title might sound like a boring topic for a music therapy conference. In fact, Biomedical Foundations of Music as Therapy is a textbook we had to read for one of our MT classes. The book discusses the relations between the brain and how it relates with music. Fascinating material about how music is deciphered on one part of the brain while communication is utilized on the other. When music is used it connects both sides of the brain. Pretty cool, eh?

One section of the book is entitled Biomedical Determinants of Control Reversal Therapy. It explains how to utilize Control Reversal Therapy (CRT) for individuals with eating disorders. It dissects the brain of someone who is diagnosed with anorexia. Results have shown a loss in brain tissue and are connected with personality characteristics, such as, perfectionism, excessive worry, need for control, inflexibility, panic attacks, and internal dialogue.

Two things are going wrong here. One, is that because the lack of nutrition is causing brain atrophy, which can only result in a decrease in judgment, emotions, and overall feelings of pleasure (i.e. food). Two, the innate personality characteristics of the victim only further the process of allowing brain to wither away.

Think of it this way. The characteristics described above are usually in the people who have uncanny self-discipline (These are the people who wake up at the crack of dawn to run 6 miles or have their homework finished two weeks before it is due.). Now, let's say that an individual has this distorted concept that they have to eat less in order to be considered "perfect" by others. They will stop at nothing to accomplish this unrealistic goal. No matter what someone advises them to do, they will consider quitting the ultimate failure.

CRT is in place to change overall thought patterns. Anorexia and bulimia is a way of thinking. The individual has to choose to think differently. Can you imagine how difficult that could be? But it does happen...there is hope. For instance, catching the disease early helps the individual remember their prior thought patterns of "normal eating". Music can be used as a tool to help these individuals build and process new thought patterns.

I hope this gives you more insight on eating disorders. If you have any more questions or need clarification, please ask!