Efficacy and feasibility of a humor training for people suffering from depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Humor trainings have positive effects on mental health and well-being. However, studies investigating the effects of humor trainings in clinical samples are still rare. This study investigated the efficacy and feasibility of a humor training for people suffering from depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders. METHODS: Based on a diagnostic interview (SCID I and II), 37 people were randomized into a training (n = 19) or wait list control group (n = 18) and completed questionnaires at pre, post, and 1 month follow-up. After the training group had completed its training and evaluation measures, the wait list control group received the training and the outcomes of the group were additionally evaluated (post2 and follow-up2). RESULTS: After training, improvements in humor-related outcomes were observed for the training group, but these were relativized when compared to the wait list control group. Secondary outcomes remained unaffected by the training. In addition, the training group reported interpersonal difficulties. Within-group analyses of the wait list control group after completion of their training showed effects on almost all primary and secondary outcomes and feedback indicated a better atmosphere. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the different outcomes of the two groups are surprising and can show potential moderators of efficacy, such as interpersonal and group-specific climate variables. Since moderators of humor trainings in clinical samples have not been investigated at all, future studies should consider integrating them into their design. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00012443 ) on May 16, 2017.

Feasibility of a blended group treatment (bGT) for major depression: uncontrolled interventional study in a university setting.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the feasibility of a novel blended (face-to-face and computer-based) group intervention for the reduction of depressive symptoms in major depression. DESIGN: Patient-centred uncontrolled interventional study. SETTING: University setting in a general community sample. A multimodal recruitment strategy (public health centres and public areas) was applied. PARTICIPANTS: Based on independent interviews, 26 participants, diagnosed with major depressive disorder (81% female; 23% comorbidity >1 and 23% comorbidity >2), entered treatment. INTERVENTION: Acceptance and mindfulness based, as well as self-management and resource-oriented psychotherapy principles served as the theoretical basis for the low-threshold intervention. The blended format included face-to-face sessions, complemented with multimedia presentations and a platform featuring videos, online work sheets, an unguided group chat and remote therapist-patient communication. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: Large to very large within group effect sizes were found on self-reported depression (F(2, 46.37)=25.69, p<0.001; d=1.80), general health (F(2,46.73)=11.47, p<0.001; d=1.32), personal resources (F(2,43.36)=21.17, p<0.001; d=0.90) and mindfulness (F(2,46.22)=9.40, p<0.001; d=1.12) after a follow-up period of 3 months. Treatment satisfaction was high, and 69% ranked computer and multimedia use as a therapeutic factor. Furthermore, participants described treatment intensification as important advantage of the blended format. Half of the patients (48%) would have preferred more time for personal exchange. CONCLUSION: The investigated blended group format seems feasible for the reduction of depressive symptoms in major depression. The development of blended interventions can benefit from assuring that highly structured treatments actually meet patients' needs. As a next step, the intervention should be tested in comparative trials in routine care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: DRKS00010894; Pre-results.