Dancing with other people, the solution to fight against anxiety and depression?

Theatre, music, dance, poetry… Practicing the performing arts in a group makes people less anxious and depressed, according to researchers from the University of Exeter (England). In one study, they looked at the potential benefits of all active group art interventions for anxiety and depression. These two mental disorders “are major global health problems, for which we desperately need non-drug treatments that reduce symptoms”, said Dr. Max Barnish, lead author of the work, in a statement.

Depression, anxiety: a reduction in symptoms thanks to the performing arts

To determine the effects of these group therapies on symptom severity, well-being, quality of life, communication or social interactions, they reviewed 171 cohorts and selected 12 that met the selection criteria. . These were published between 2004 and 2021 and involved 669 adults with anxiety and/or depression from nine countries. The research focused on five major performing art forms: dance, music therapy, art therapy, martial arts-based therapies, and drama. “Dance is the most studied form of art”, specified the scientists. According to this meta-analysis, published in the journal BMJ Openthe performing arts reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Establishing what type of artistic activity is most effective

“The data suggest that the arts may be a useful therapeutic means for this population. However, the lack of studies directly comparing different artistic modalities is an important limitation of the database. In addition, not all artistic modalities have assessed for all outcome domains, so it is not currently possible to determine which arts activities are most beneficial.” can we read in the conclusions of the study.