The Opening of Communication Channels with Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract: A 6 year research indicated that music therapy may help to decrease psychotic symptoms. The denial of reality and its delirious reconstruction is one of the most important characteristics of schizophrenic psychosis. In order to be protected from a 'threatening'world, the schizophrenic must avoid any contact with the surrounding persons, so he expresses himself through an incoherent speech, thus making difficult verbal psychotherapy. The research revealed that music therapy opens communication channels through the characteristics of musical language; l. as music does not have an 'intrinsic' literal meaning, its use allows archaic phases revival in what concerns the language acquisition, reintroducing the patient to the cultural speech 2. as a transitional phenomenon, according to Winnicott's theory, music offers the experience of pleasure which is necessary to the investment of reality. These two aspects, which are complementary during the music therapy process, help the patient to restore his contact with people and things of the external, 'real' world. This paper will be published by the BSMT later in l992, price on application.

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Keyword(s): Communication, schizophrenia, research, psychotic.

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