The Effects of Laughter Therapy on Hemodialysis on Depression

The Effects of Laughter Therapy on Hemodialysis on Depression: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

End stage kidney disease is associated with increased depression. Laughter is associated with improvement in depression in chronic disease. The study objective was to measure the effect of intradialytic group laughter therapy on anxiety and depression. Pragmatic randomized controlled trial conducted in 10 hemodialysis centers in Northern California. The intervention group received a once weekly 30-minute long group laughter therapy session for 8 weeks. Primary outcome was depression score as measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) and currently undergoing hemodialysis at a Satellite Healthcare Hemodialysis Center
• Ability to understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment