Question. I have read several articles that refer to the use of certain types of music that is supposed to help people who suffer from depression, but none of them mention the specific type of music. Do you have any information or resources that lists specific music for therapy?

Answer. Music has been used to treat various anxiety and stress-related states, including postoperative pain. However, in my literature search, I was unable to find information on specific types of music used in the treatment of depression. However, you may find details on this in the article, “A musical assessment of psychiatric states in adults,” by Pavlicevic M & Trevarthen C, in Psychopathology, 1989;22(6):325-34. Also, Dr. Herbert Dandes, Professor of Counseling and Psychology, University of Miami, Fla., has presented a talk on the use of music to stimulate the therapeutic process and may be able to give you some detailed information on this topic.