Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effect of music therapy as an alternative treatment on depression in children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by activating serotonin (5-HT) and improving stress coping ability. Methods This study is designed based on randomization method. A total of 36 subjects participated in the experiment, consisting of an ADHD control group (n = 18) and ADHD music therapy group (n = 18). The ADHD control group received standard care, while the ADHD music therapy group received music therapy and standard care. The ADHD music therapy group received both active music therapy (improvisation) and receptive music therapy (music listening) for 50 minutes, twice a week, for 3 months: a total of 24 times. From a neurophysiological perspective, changes in depression and stress were tracked by measuring 5-HT secretion, cortisol expression, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and CDI and DHQ psychological scales. Results The ADHD music therapy group’s 5-HT secretion increased (p < 0.001), whereas cortisol expression (p < 0.001), BP (p < 0.001) and HR (p < 0.001) decreased. The CDI and DHQ psychological scales also showed positive changes (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, the ADHD Con G’s (who did not receive music therapy) 5-HT secretion did not increase, whereas cortisol expression, BP, and HR did not decrease. In addition, the CDI and DHQ psychological scales did not display positive changes. Conclusions In conclusion, the application of music therapy as an alternative treatment for ADHD children and adolescents showed positive neurophysiological and psychological effects. Therefore, this study would like to propose a new alternative to medicine for preventing and treating depression through various uses of music therapy.

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BackgroundThe objective of this study was conducted to determine the effect of music therapy as an alternative treatment on depression in children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by activating serotonin (5-HT) and improving stress coping ability. Methods A total of 43 subjects participated in the experiment, consisting of an ADHD group (n = 18, age of 12.15 ± 2.43 years; height of 142.57 ± 9.98 cm; weight of 41.45 ± 13.87 kg) and a control group (n = 25, with age, height, and weight similar to those with ADHD). Music therapy was regularly performed for all subjects twice a week for three months, 50 minutes each, for a total of 24 times. From a neurophysiological perspective, changes in depression and stress were tracked by measuring 5-HT secretion, cortisol expression, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and psychological scales. Results As a result of the measurement, in both ADHD group and control groups, 5-HT secretion was increased (p < 0.001), whereas cortisol expression (p < 0.001), BP (p < 0.05), and HR (p < 0.001) were decreased after music therapy. The psychological scale also showed positive changes (p < 0.01). ConclusionsIn conclusion, the application of music therapy as an alternative treatment for ADHD children and adolescents showed positive neurophysiological and psychological effects. Therefore, this study would like to propose a new alternative of medicine for preventing and treating depression through various uses of music therapy.

ObjectivesTo determine whether drinking coffee with caffeine accelerates the sympathetic response to acetylcholine (ACh).MethodsTests were performed twice at 1-week intervals following the intake of coffee. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: Group A was administered 16 fluid oz of water (CON), while Group B was given 16 fluid oz of coffee (Coffee). After 1 week, Group A was administered 16 fluid oz of coffee (Coffee), while Group B was given 16 fluid oz of water (CON). The quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) was performed after intake of coffee and water and a 40 min break. QSART with iontophoresis and 10% ACh was performed to determine axon reflex (AXR) mediated with and without iontophoresis [AXR (1) and AXR (2), respectively], and directly activated sweating (DIR).ResultsThe sweat onset time of the AXR was shorter in the Coffee compared with the CON (p &lt; 0.05). The sweat rates in AXR (1) AXR (2) and DIR were significantly higher in the Coffee than in the CON (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.01, respectively). In addition, the Coffee showed significantly higher density of activated sweat glands and activated sweat gland output than the CON (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.01, respectively). The overall results of this study showed that coffee intake could stimulate higher activation in both AXR and DIR sweat responses.ConclusionCoffee intake can improve sweating sensitivity in both the AXR and DIR by the contribution of caffeine contained in coffee. This suggests that other compounds in coffee may not inhibit the sympathetic response to ACh. Therefore, coffee may be clinically worth considering as a supplement for the activation of the cholinergic and sudomotor function.