Arts Activities for Anxiety

(DRAMA Trial)

This trial explores how different art activities can help kids and teens manage anxiety and sad moods. It includes three groups: one combines acting exercises with wellness techniques like mindfulness (Improvisation + Wellness), another focuses solely on acting exercises (Improvisation), and the last involves social crafting (Social Craft). Kids and teens experiencing high levels of anxiety or depression may benefit from this trial. Participants should be between 8 and 17 years old and have permission from a parent or guardian. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for participants to explore innovative approaches to managing emotions through creative activities.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that participants should not have recently changed or be planning to change their psychotropic medication dosage.

Research has shown that improv activities are generally safe for people with anxiety and depression. One study found that participants felt less anxious and depressed after engaging in improv exercises. Importantly, no serious side effects were reported during these activities.

Researchers are excited about these treatments for anxiety because they explore creative and social methods as alternatives to traditional therapies like medication and talk therapy. The Improvisation and Improvisation + Wellness arms use engaging improv techniques that encourage participants to express themselves and collaborate with others. These approaches blend fun activities with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, such as mindfulness and relaxation, which are not commonly featured in current treatments. Meanwhile, the Social Craft group fosters connection through crafting, offering a unique way to alleviate anxiety by focusing on creative expression and social interaction. These innovative methods could provide new, enjoyable ways to manage anxiety without relying solely on conventional options.

Research has shown that improvisation can help reduce anxiety and depression. One study found that teens who participated in improv training experienced less anxiety and improved social skills. Another study found that people felt less anxious after engaging in improvisation. In this trial, participants may join an arm focusing solely on improvisation, which involves techniques such as using one's truth, making patterns, and the "yes…and" approach.