A canine companion for mood disorders

The human body-specifically the human personality and the human mind-is one of the most interesting territories anybody can explore. Aside from being a constant topic for research, the human body is also one of the fields that experts continue to delve into because of the unending mysteries and possibilities it possesses.

But as time goes by, more and more findings are being linked to the human body that can affect its major parts like the brain. These major developments or possibilities continue to be under the observation and study of the leading institutions in the world right now.

FOCUSING ON HUMAN-COMPANION ANIMAL INTERACTION

Majority of American households has a pet. But, a small number of them realizes that pets-specifically canine or dogs-are not only mere household guards but can be possible companions that can bring physical and emotional benefits.

Experts say that canine-specifically dogs-are quite effective companions especially in dealing with mood disorders. Possessing calm, loyal and intelligent qualities, canine companions are said to be ideal for those people who go through mood swings and disorders because these animals can provide the peace and tranquility the person needs to soothe his or her nerves. When it comes to psychotherapy, canine companions usually serve as clinical bridges and distractions using uncomfortable sessions.

Studies show that a strong psychological and emotional attachment between people and animal companions have resulted to lasting and strengthened human-animal bonds. Reports also show that canine companions help their owners have a positive outlook in life by minimizing the tension amongst people and family members.

Just like any other inquiry or study that has been conducted recently, the reports regarding the supposed benefits of people interacting with companion animals or Animal Assisted Therapies (AAT) are not yet final. These reports, though initial, present studies of efficacy that exude great possibilities. With continuous research, it has been found out that those animals that are involved in AAT increase people's understanding of the human-companion animal interaction, thus can lead to therapeutic possibilities.

As early as the 18th century, AAT is being administered by people as a medical intervention for improving a person's structural and postural balance. Aside from the physical benefits AAT gives, it has also been found out that animal companion also helps the person to improve and develop a sense of self-worth, ego strength, self-confidence and social competence.

The potentials of AAT when it comes to mental health care or mood disorder can be regarded to a Canadian child psychiatrist Boris Levinson who included his personal pet dog in a series of therapy sessions. According to his observations in the child and dog interaction during therapy sessions, he found out that the canine served as a communication link that provided the child with a sense of security in the sessions, thus achieving a positive and quick therapy process.

Today, AAT is known to work well with children who were autistic, nonverbal, schizophrenic, inhibited, withdrawn, obsessive-compulsive and even to those who are culturally challenged. It has been found out that canine companions were particularly beneficial in helping the patient strengthen their contact with reality.

Because of this, AAT/nature education programs were created to be therapeutic for patients in residential treatment especially for those with attention-deficit/hyperactive and conduct disorders. It has also been observed that canine companions included in the AAT program were effective in decreasing the patient's agitated and aggressive behavior while improving their cooperation with the instructors, thus leading to engaged learning and behavioral control in a regular classroom setting.

Aside from these, other potential therapeutic roles of companion animals with other psychiatric populations like those with dissociative disorders, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other chronic mental illnesses were also established.