Sufi music pilot found feasibility, with mixed clinical evidence
The programme was acceptable to most participants. Unadjusted comparisons did not detect clinical improvement relative to controls at the assessment labeled T3; adjusted anxiety results favoured music.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The programme appeared feasible and acceptable to most participants. At the assessment labeled T3, unadjusted comparisons did not detect clinical improvement relative to controls. After accounting for starting scores, anxiety was lower than in controls at trial end. Reported mental and spiritual well-being increases had an unclear comparator, limiting their interpretation as treatment benefits.
The abstract omits clinical effect sizes and uncertainty ranges, does not define T3, and leaves the well-being comparator unclear. This feasibility pilot does not settle the size of treatment benefit.
Starting scores changed the result
The researchers compared group averages and also used an analysis accounting for scores before the programme. These approaches produced different clinical findings, so the adjusted anxiety result needs to be read alongside the unadjusted finding.
Feasibility answers a separate question
Recruitment, retention and acceptability describe whether participants joined, stayed and found the programme suitable. These findings support studying the programme further, but do not by themselves establish improvements in depression, anxiety or well-being.
The original publication
Sufi music with makams for people with mild to moderate levels of depression and anxiety: A pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial.
Gurbuz-Dogan RN, Ali A
Transcult Psychiatry · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40717683
- Record checked
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