Conventional and Algorithmic Music Listening During Hemodialysis: A Case Report

Patients undergoing hemodialysis frequently experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety and depressive symptoms. Music therapy has emerged as a promising nonpharmacological intervention to alleviate these psychological burdens. This study explored the effects of 2 distinct music listening protocols-Therapeutic Music Listening and algorithmic music listening-on anxiety, stress, and physiological parameters in a female patient with end-stage kidney disease in comorbid condition with a major depression and anxiety symptoms. Over a two-week period, the patient participated in 6 Therapeutic Music Listening sessions (3 per week), each lasting 20 minutes during the initiation phase of hemodialysis. Following a washout period, algorithmic music listening was introduced. Anxiety and stress were assessed pre- and postsession using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Y1) and Distress Thermometer, while physiological parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate) were recorded simultaneously. The results indicated a reduction in anxiety after each session, with a more pronounced effect observed during algorithmic music listening. No significant changes were noted in physiological parameters. The patient reported a high level of subjective enjoyment of the experience, suggesting potential psychological benefits. These findings highlight the need for randomized controlled trials incorporating objective biomarkers to validate the therapeutic role of music listening in hemodialysis patients.