title: Evaluation of a standardized humor group in a clinical setting: a feasibility study for older patients with depression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Positive effects of humor on older patients with depressive symptoms have been repeatedly reported. Empirical evidence however is rare. We investigated the efficacy of a standardized humor therapy group in a clinical context especially for older depressed patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  An experimental group with treatment (49 patients) was compared with a control group with no treatment (50 patients) in a semi-randomized design. Included were patients with major depression according to ICD-10. A set of questionnaires (Geriatric Depression Scale, Short Form Health Survey, State-Trait-Cheerfulness Inventory, and Satisfaction with Life Scale) was administered pretreatment and posttreatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both groups showed improvement for depression, suicidal tendency, state cheerfulness, and state bad mood. Only participants of the humor group showed changes of state seriousness and satisfaction with life (p < 0.05). Further trends could be demonstrated for higher changes in state cheerfulness and resilience for the humor group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results indicate an additional benefit of this specific therapeutic intervention for older depressed patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatric Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-Clinic Bonn, Germany. Brigitte.konradt@lvr.de
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Konradt
authors.forename: Rolf D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Hirsch
authors.forename: Markus F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Jonitz
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Junglas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D036262:Empirical Research; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D027641:Laughter Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic
keywords: depressive disorder; geriatric patients; humor therapy; state and trait cheerfulness