Dance/Movement Therapy (D/MT) for Depression: A Scoping Review

Depression affects 121 million people worldwide (WHO 2010). The socio-economic repercussions of depression are putting an enormous strain on UK and US governmental health budgets. This scoping review is thus timely as it aims to map the field of D/MT for depression. Evidence suggests that D/MT and other art therapies are widely practiced around the world, however there is limited quantative evidence, and no systematic reviews that support the effectiveness of D/MT for people with a diagnosis of depression A large body of knowledge exists which relates to exercise and its effect on mood followed closely by the positive social-cultural influence of dance on a person’s well being. Methodology; consisted of an extensive search to best answer the question; is there good quality research evidence available regarding the effectiveness of D/MT and related fields for treatment of depression.? A search strategy was developed to locate publications from electronic databases, websites, arts therapies organizations and associations Findings; A total of nine studies were found. Their quality has been evaluated using broad criteria of quality such as the presence or absence of full randomization. Six studies followed a randomized controlled trial design, and three adopted a non randomized design,. aAt least one study met most criteria of quality . We conclude the need for a full systematic review of the literature through completing a Cochrane Review (title accepted).