Three studies were conducted to evaluate the relationship between humor and immune-system functioning äs it is reflected in salivary immunoglobulin A concentration levels (S-IgA). Humor was assessed by two scales, the Situational Humor Response Questionnaire (SHRQ) and the Coping Humor Scale (CHS), and was induced by presentation of recorded humorous materials. In all three studies, S-IgA levels were found to increase following the presentation ofhumorous Stimuli, while remaining stähle in a control study. In thefirst study humor was induced by an audiotape-recorded humorous skit, while in the second study a humorous videorecorded film was used. In both of these studies exposure to humor increased levels of S-IgA, and in the first study, one interaction with a measure of sense of humor was found. In the third study the audiotape-recorded skit that had been used in the first study was again employed. In this final study, which controlled for salivary-flow rate and measured S-IgA with the ELISA method, subjects with a better sense of humor had larger increases in S-IgA concentrations following their exposure t o humorous Stimuli. Thus, the link between humor orientation and total S-IgA protein appears to be supported, which suggests, äs other findings have, that immune-system activity increases with humor.

No abstract

No abstract

Axis I comorbidity appears to be differentially associated with treatment resistance in unipolar and bipolar depression.

Caution should be exercised in the use of antidepressants in patients with bipolar mood disorders.