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Abstract
The management of acute psychosis is a constant challenge to the health care system, with only a limited amount of research providing data for allied health care practitioners. Despite anecdotal data indicating that music therapy may be an effective intervention, there have been few studies to date which provide any rigorous empirical evidence. This project aimed to test several hypotheses. The study has shown that music therapy is a valuable therapeutic adjunct to standard ward programs for the management of an acute psychotic episode resulting in shorter hospital stays, considerable cost savings and significant improvement in symptomatology as judged by the standardized measures employed. In addition, EFG testing while listening to self-chosen music demonstrated a reduction in dysfunctional brain wave activity. This project has highlighted the importance of music therapy in allied mental health care and opens up the need for further research into the management of such a large disease burden in Australia.