Art therapy associated with moderate reduction in depressive symptoms across 19 studiesArt Therapy Linked to Reduced Depression Symptoms

Frontiers in Medicine Published July 23, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD · Brain, Mind & Pain

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Key Takeaway

Consider art therapy as a complementary treatment for depressive symptoms, but interpret the moderate effect size cautiously due to study heterogeneity.

This meta-analysis synthesizes 19 studies involving 997 patients to evaluate the association between active visual art therapy and depressive symptoms. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms measured by validated instruments. The pooled effect size was Hedges' g = 0.53 (95% CI: 0.30 to 0.76), favoring the intervention group, indicating a moderate reduction in depressive symptoms associated with art therapy.

The authors note significant variation across studies due to different types of control groups, methodological quality, and patient populations. These limitations reduce the certainty of the findings. Adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations were not reported, and follow-up duration was not specified.

The authors suggest that art therapy should be accessible as a complementary treatment for patients suffering from depressive symptoms. However, clinicians should interpret these results cautiously given the heterogeneity and lack of safety data. The association does not imply causation, and further research with standardized protocols and longer follow-up is needed.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis extends prior coverage of non-pharmacologic interventions for depression. Prior items showed that third-wave therapies and animal-assisted therapy reduce depressive symptoms, and habitual mindfulness practice reduces mild to moderate depression. The current finding adds art therapy as another complementary approach with a moderate effect size (Hedges' g = 0.53). However, the heterogeneity in control groups and methodological quality limits direct comparison with these other interventions.

A new analysis of 19 studies involving 997 patients suggests that art therapy may help reduce symptoms of depression. The analysis, which combined results from randomized trials, found that people who took part in art therapy showed greater improvement in depressive symptoms compared to those in control groups. The effect was moderate, with a statistical measure called Hedges' g of 0.53.

The studies included a wide range of patients and used different types of control groups. This variation is a limitation, as it makes it harder to pinpoint exactly how effective art therapy is. The quality of the studies also varied, which could affect the results.

No information was reported on side effects or how well patients tolerated art therapy. Because the analysis combined many different studies, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Art therapy is not a replacement for standard depression treatments but may be a helpful addition.

For people with depression, art therapy might offer a creative way to support mental health. However, anyone considering it should talk to their doctor about how it fits into their overall treatment plan.

What this means for you:

Art therapy may help reduce depression symptoms, but more research is needed.

Common questions

What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a type of therapy that uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting to help people express themselves and improve mental health. It is often guided by a trained therapist.

How effective is art therapy for depression?

The analysis found a moderate effect (Hedges' g of 0.53) in reducing depressive symptoms compared to control groups. However, results varied across studies, so effectiveness may differ from person to person.

Are there any side effects of art therapy?

The study did not report any side effects or safety information. Art therapy is generally considered low-risk, but it is important to discuss it with a healthcare provider.

Can art therapy replace medication for depression?

No. The study suggests art therapy may be a helpful complementary treatment, but it should not replace standard treatments like medication or psychotherapy. Always consult a doctor.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedJul 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

IntroductionDepression is among the leading causes of disability globally. Therefore, exploring the various non-medical treatment options for this condition is particularly important. The aim of the review was to assess the effect of art therapy on depressive symptoms.MethodsThe foundation of this review is a pre-planned, explorative, secondary analysis of a previously published umbrella review, encompassing the databases Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, American Psychological Association PsycArticles, American Psychological Association PsycInfo, PSYNDEX, the German Clinical Trials Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Included were all randomized trials with any patient population receiving active visual art therapy. The outcome was depressive symptoms measured by depression assessment instruments. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and conducted a bias assessment using a modified Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data was pooled using a random-effects model and visualized in forest plots. A pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with hedges g was calculated to measure the reduction of depressive symptoms.ResultsOf 3,100 identified reports we included 26 studies. Of these, 19 studies with 997 patients were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Overall, we found a standardized mean difference of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.30 to 0.76) for depressive symptoms, favoring the intervention group. Main sources of variation were different types of control groups, methodological quality, and patient populations.ConclusionOur results suggest that art therapy is associated with improved depressive symptoms. Therefore, art therapy should be accessible as complementary treatment for patients suffering from depressive symptoms.

Art therapy associated with moderate reduction in depressive symptoms across 19 studiesArt Therapy Linked to Reduced Depression Symptoms

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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Art therapy associated with moderate reduction in depressive symptoms across 19 studiesArt Therapy Linked to Reduced Depression Symptoms

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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