The investigators have developed music-based cognitive training sessions derived from Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques. The music-based cognitive training sessions will address areas of attention and executive function, which appear to progress over time and worsen as an individual experiences more episodes of depression. The aim of this pilot is to test 8-weeks of music-based cognitive training to improve cognitive function among adults with major depressive disorder.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a lifelong condition and is the leading cause of disability in the world. MDD is a multifaceted mood disorder and due to its complex nature, this mental health diagnosis affects emotional, behavioural, and cognitive processing. Cognitive dysfunction appears to progress over time and worsens as the individual experiences more episodes of depression. Because of this, it is critical to continue to investigate and formulate effective treatment that can target and improve not only depressive symptoms, but also address overall cognitive function. Thus, the investigators propose implementing music-based cognitive training derived from Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques to address cognitive dysfunction experienced by adults diagnosed with MDD. Music-based interventions, specifically from the NMT approach have been shown to physically change the human brain when working on cognition in areas of attention and executive function, however little is known of these applications with adults with MDD. The aim of this pilot is to test 8-weeks of music-based cognitive training to improve cognitive function among adults with MDD.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
18
8-week music-based cognitive training
St. Michael's Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Change in inhibition using the Go/No Go Task
This cognitive task measures response time, accuracy, commission errors, omission errors, and reaction time variability.
Time frame: From baseline to 8-weeks
Change in working memory capacity using the Digit Span Forward and Backward Test
This cognitive task measures span length, correct recall, error rate, and reaction time.
Time frame: From baseline to 8-weeks
Change in cognitive flexibility and executive control using the Shifting Attention test
This cognitive task measures the ability to shift attention between different stimuli, assessing the speed and accuracy with which the individual can shift their attention and switch between different rules.
Time frame: From baseline to 8-weeks
Change in visual attention and task switching using the Trail Making A and B test
This cognitive task measures the time to complete the task and errors made. In Trail Making Test A, a longer completion time and higher number of errors can indicate difficulties with processing speed and attention. In Trail Making Test B, a longer completion time and a higher number of errors on Trail Making Test B, compared to Trail Making Test A, can indicate difficulties with cognitive flexibility, mental shifting, and attention.
Time frame: From baseline to 8-weeks
Change in selective attention using the Stroop Test
This cognitive task measures the time to complete the task and errors made. A longer completion time and a higher number of errors can indicate difficulty with selective attention and mental flexibility.
Time frame: From baseline to 8-weeks
Change in suicidal ideation using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI)
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A 21-item self-report scale that quantifies suicidal ideation. The BSSI is a Likert-style questionnaire, where each item is rated on a scale from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating a greater severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The minimum possible score on the BSSI is 0, which would indicate the absence of suicidal ideation. The maximum possible score is 63, which would indicate a high level of severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Time frame: From baseline to 8-weeks
Changes in affect using the Positive and negative affect schedule - short form (PNAS-SF)
A 10-item scale to assess the experience of positive and negative emotions/feelings. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (very slightly or not at all) to 5 (extremely). The minimum possible score on the PNAS-SF for positive affect is 10, which would indicate the absence of positive affect. The maximum possible score is 50, which would indicate a high level of positive affect. The minimum possible score on the PNAS-SF for negative affect is 10, which would indicate the absence of negative affect. The maximum possible score is 50, which would indicate a high level of negative affect.
Time frame: From baseline to 8-weeks
Changes in depression symptoms using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - self-report (QIDS-SR).
A 16-item validated depression scale. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 3 (severe). The minimum possible score on the QID-SR is 0, which would indicate the absence of depression. The maximum possible score is 48, which would indicate a high level of depression severity.
Time frame: From baseline to 8-weeks
Changes in quality of life using the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS)
A validated 16-item scale to assess quality of life. Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale , ranging from 1 (terrible) to 7 (delighted). The minimum possible score on the QOLS is 16, which would indicate poor quality of life. The maximum possible score is 112, which would indicate excellent quality of life.
Time frame: From baseline to 8-weeks
Feasibility and acceptability of music-based cognitive training
Feasibility and Acceptability survey and interview created in-house with questions designed to collect quantitative and qualitative feedback from participants with respect to the feasibility and acceptability of the music-based cognitive training intervention.
Time frame: From baseline to 8-weeks