If you listen to music on a regular basis, you’d be aware it can influence our emotions. Indeed, we often choose our tunes according to our moods.

Now, new research suggests that classical music may even particularly act as an antidepressant for the brain. A Chinese study published in the journal Cell Reports highlights the benefits of classical music, suggesting it could even be more effective than some traditional treatments for depression.

Using intracranial recordings and electroencephalograms, researchers analysed data from 23 patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. When the patients listened to classical music, it enabled the researchers to identify the antidepressant mechanisms it activates in the brain.

Participants were divided into two groups: those who enjoyed the music and those who had less appreciation for it. The researchers also chose to play western classical music unknown to the participants to avoid any familiarity bias.

“We concluded that the music choices during the formal listening process were individualised and unrelated to the music’s emotional background,” explained Bomin Sun, director and professor at the Center for Functional Neurosurgery at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

The results show that listening to classical music synchronises neuronal oscillations between the auditory cortex (responsible for processing sensory information) and the rewards circuit (responsible for emotional information).

Patients in the high music appreciation group showed greater neuronal synchronisation and stronger antidepressant effects than those in the low appreciation group. The researchers, therefore, propose personalised music therapy for each individual who experiences mental health distress.

“By collaborating with clinicians, music therapists, computer scientists and engineers, we plan to develop digital health products based on music therapy, such as smartphone applications and wearable devices,” Sun added.

“These products will integrate personalised music recommendations, real-time emotional monitoring and feedback, and virtual-reality multisensory experiences to provide convenient and effective self-help tools for managing emotions and improving symptoms in daily life.”