The value of painting as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of anxiety/depression mental disorders

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the effectiveness of using art therapy (drawing) in alleviating feelings of anxiety and depression among a sample of Princess Noura University students, females (the study sample consisted of eighteen students in the third year (basic education) at the College of Designs and Arts. Their median age was 18 years old and suffering from high feelings of anxiety and depression. With art therapy, the results showed a statistically significant difference between the educational study achievement grades of the sample members before and after the therapy. Moreover, there is an improvement in the scale of “feeling anxious and depressed” with the using of art therapy (drawing). In conclusion, it is recommended in clinical and hospital settings, painting art therapy with psychiatric patients of anxiety and depression could produce a good benefit in improving non-verbal communication between patients and the on-side medical team, helping with their treatment and enhancing the moods therefore decrease the needs for medications.