Humor in Medicine
Is the saying Laughter The Best Medicine true? The health benefit claims about humor and laughter are often anecdotal. Current research is insufficient to validate such claims. However, there is support in the literature for the health benefits of humor and laughter.
Laughter, however, CANNOT cure disease but helps patients and physicians cope with the stress of illness. It can result in better patient/doctor communication. The use of humor can moderate a patient's response to pain. Research has shown that a patient's need for pain medication is reduced after exposure to humorous movies.
