Musical Attention Control and Executive Function Training for Adults With MDD

The investigators have developed music-based cognitive training sessions derived from Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques. The music-based cognitive training sessions will address areas of attention and executive function, which appear to progress over time and worsen as an individual experiences more episodes of depression. The aim of this pilot is to test 8-weeks of music-based cognitive training to improve cognitive function among adults with major depressive disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:Clinical diagnosis of MDD meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Diploma in Social Medicine (DSM-V) criteriaExperiencing suicidal ideation in the past week (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation >10)Have received more than 12 sessions of psychotherapyStable medication use > 4 weeksAbility to undergo music-based cognitive training sessions in EnglishCapable of giving informed consentExclusion Criteria:The presence of cognitive impairment that would limit consent or understanding of neurologic music therapyThe presence of active psychosisThe presence of mood and suicidal symptom severity requiring immediate treatmentHearing impairmentParticipation in music therapy 6 months prior to studyPrivate music lessons for a period of 1 year prior to studyUnwilling or unable to provide informed consent