The effect of family member voices on dopamine, serotonin levels, and pain in patients in intensive care units

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effects of family members' voices on dopamine and serotonin levels and pain in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted in 2025 in the medical and surgical ICUs of Turgut Özal Medical Center, İnönü University. The sample consisted of 78 patients (experimental group=39; control group=39) who met the inclusion criteria. Patients in the experimental group listened via headphones to emotionally meaningful audio recordings obtained from their relatives for a total of 40 minutes according to a structured protocol. Behavioral pain was assessed in both groups at the 1st (0th minute), 2nd (20th minute), and 3rd (50th minute) measurements, while dopamine and serotonin levels were measured in venous blood samples. Results: Significant between-group differences were observed in dopamine and serotonin levels at the 3rd measurement (p<0.05), with values tending to decrease in the control group. Pain scores in the experimental group decreased significantly at the 2nd and 3rd measurements (p<0.05). No significant between-group differences were found in Patient Relative Satisfaction Survey scores (p>0.05). Conclusion: Family members' voice recordings may elicit a neurochemical relaxation response, reduce behavioral pain, and serve as an effective non-pharmacological intervention in ICU patients. Therefore, familiar voice recordings tailored to patients' individual histories may be incorporated into planned sensory stimulation programs.