The Healing Power of Humor: A Promising Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

A review of 29 studies involving nearly 3,000 participants suggests that humor therapy may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The studies included participants from various demographics and health backgrounds, such as children undergoing surgery, older people in nursing homes, and patients with Parkinson's disease or cancer. Examples of humor therapy included medical clowns and laughter therapy/yoga. While most participants reported a reduction in depression and anxiety, some considered the effect to be insignificant. The findings suggest that humor therapy could be a simple and feasible complementary alternative treatment for clinicians, nurses, and patients in the future.