P-169: Efficacy of rapid-succession “Flash song” music therapy on diabetes distress and behavioral symptoms in youth with type 1 diabetes
P Kumar, N Baquer, J SinghAbstract
Introduction
Non-pharmacological interventions, such as music therapy, offer documented benefits for emotional regulation. However, clinical data regarding structured music therapy for severe diabetes distress and behavioral resistance in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) remain scarce.
Objectives
To evaluate the clinical feasibility and efficacy of a novel, rapid-succession music therapy intervention (“Flash Song Therapy”) on diabetes distress, behavioral symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) in outpatients with T1D.
Methods
This prospective pilot study enrolled 86 outpatients diagnosed with T1D experiencing high diabetes distress. Patients engaged in an 8- to 16-session protocol of “Flash Song Therapy” a technique utilizing rapid, continuous transitions between patient-preferred songs (>20 per session) to provide sustained, high-tempo cognitive and auditory stimulation. Clinical assessments utilized pediatric diabetes distress scales, treatment adherence logs, QOL metrics, and caregiver burden inventories pre- and post-intervention.
Results
Completion of the protocol yielded significant improvements in both diabetes distress and QOL scores. Clinically observable enhancements in treatment engagement and emotional regulation during glucose monitoring were noted. Post-session assessments indicated a transient but consistent increase in routine adherence. Caregiver reports corroborated these findings, noting marked reductions in patient agitation regarding insulin administration and improved expressive confidence.
Conclusions
“Flash Song Therapy” presents a feasible, highly engaging clinical intervention for managing the complex behavioral and emotional burden of pediatric T1D. These findings strongly support the integration of dynamic music therapy into holistic outpatient diabetes care to improve QOL and reduce caregiving burden.