Adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids.

psychological benefits to people with disabilities. For the elderly music therapy has clear benefits," and there is anecdotal evidence of benefit among people with head injuries. At Putney a music therapist works with patients in the head injury unit, and a formal study is being developed. Patients with Huntington's chorea have derived short term benefit as well as enjoyment from music therapy.'2 3 Several studies have shown promising results in Parkinson's disease.'0 1'46 Here music helps patients to walk and to overcome "freezing" episodes, and in conjunction with speech therapy it may improve the intelligibility of speech; music also helps relaxation and lifts depression. There is a need for more studies of the effects of music therapy (including its combination with other therapies). But the more general and subjective benefits to the whole person, which do not depend on musical talent, are at least as important: enriching life; increasing well-being, self esteem, and motivation; providing comfort or emotional experience and a bridge to other people; and developing potential.8'416 Creating an awareness of the potential of the creative arts therapies during training for various professions has been recommended,4 and a start has been made, especially in nurse training. DAPHNE GLOAG Staff editor, BMJ