R D Hirsch1, K Junglas, B Konradt, M F Jonitz. 1. Abteilung für Gerontopsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, LVR-Klinik Bonn, Kaiser-Karl-Ring 20, 53111, Bonn, Deutschland. r.hirsch@lvr.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Positive effects of humor on older patients with depressive symptoms have been repeatedly reported. Empirical evidence, however, is rare. We investigated the effects of a standardized humor therapy group in a clinical context especially for older depressed patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For this purpose, an experimental group with treatment (52 patients participating in the humor group) was compared to a control group with no specific treatment (38 patients); all 90 participants had clinical depressive symptoms according to ICD-10 classification. Questionnaires (among them GDS, SF-12, State-Trait Cheerfulness Inventory, Satisfaction with Life Scale) were administered at two time points (pre- and post-treatment). RESULTS: From pre- to post-measurement, significant improvements could be shown only in the experimental group for resilience and satisfaction with life (p<0.05). Analyses of the subgroups with at least medium to severe depression showed further significant effects for cheerfulness, seriousness, bad mood, and satisfaction with life (p<0.05). These severely affected patients seemed to profit best from humor therapy. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate the efficacy of this specific therapeutic intervention for older depressed patients.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Positive effects of humor on older patients with depressive symptoms have been repeatedly reported. Empirical evidence, however, is rare. We investigated the effects of a standardized humor therapy group in a clinical context especially for older depressedpatients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For this purpose, an experimental group with treatment (52 patients participating in the humor group) was compared to a control group with no specific treatment (38 patients); all 90 participants had clinical depressive symptoms according to ICD-10 classification. Questionnaires (among them GDS, SF-12, State-Trait Cheerfulness Inventory, Satisfaction with Life Scale) were administered at two time points (pre- and post-treatment). RESULTS: From pre- to post-measurement, significant improvements could be shown only in the experimental group for resilience and satisfaction with life (p<0.05). Analyses of the subgroups with at least medium to severe depression showed further significant effects for cheerfulness, seriousness, bad mood, and satisfaction with life (p<0.05). These severely affected patients seemed to profit best from humor therapy. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate the efficacy of this specific therapeutic intervention for older depressedpatients.
Authors: Martin H Brutsche; Paul Grossman; Rebekka E Müller; Jan Wiegand; Florent Baty; Willibald Ruch Journal: Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis Date: 2008