Canine Assisted Therapy And Mental Health - 1539 Words

Canine Assisted Therapy and Mental Health The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) (2013) defines Schizophrenia as one of the most common serious mental health conditions affecting men and women equally. It is a chronic condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms including hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that do not exist) and delusions (believing in things that are untrue). These symptoms are often referred to as ‘symptoms of psychosis’, when an individual cannot distinguish between reality and their imagination (DSM, 2013). Wahashi et al. (2007) suggest that patients with schizophrenia often have difficulty in coping with everyday stressors and suffer emotional withdrawal and poor social functioning this can be particularly pronounced in patients living in an institutionalised setting (Wahashi et al. 2007). Kovà ¡cs et al. (2004) suggest the use of C.A.T within this patient group is varied. They explored the particular problems associated with institutionalised living namely decreased levels of activity, social functioning and social problem-solving strategies compared to non-institutionalised patients. The participant group comprised of seven patients working with a psychiatrist, a social worker, a dog and its handler. C.A.T took place over nine months. This was done at weekly intervals at the same time for 50 minutes. Assessment was made using the Independent Living Skill Survey (ILSS). Kovà ¡cs et al. (2004) found thatShow MoreRelatedPost Traumatic Stress Disorder ( Ptsd ) Essay1747 Words   |  7 Pageswar, but it has seen an increase in cases where women have been raped or sexually abused, or in children who have witnessed or been the victims of violence. The mental health care provider may use animal therapy as a supplement to medications and therapy, or may use it on its own. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event. The person suffering from PTSD may have experienced this firsthand or have witnessed it. Symptoms include relivingRead MoreAnimal Assisted Therapy And Developmental Disorders2292 Words   |  10 PagesAnimal Assisted Therapy and Developmental Disorders in Minors Animal Assisted Therapy also known as animal-assisted therapy has been formally introduced to the world in the last ten years or so. Although animals have always been a place of comfort for a lot of people, scientists just began to realize the impact animals have on society. The world has begun to experiment with what animals can do to benefit human health. The most common type of animal-assisted therapy is equine-assisted therapy. EquinesRead MoreThe European Society Of Animal Assisted Therapy7053 Words   |  29 PagesThe European Society of Animal-Assisted Therapy (ESAAT) defines Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T) as deliberately planned pedagogic, psychological and socially integrative intervention with animals for children, youths, adults and senior citizens with cognitive, social-emotional and motoric disabilities, and behavioural problems, and for focused support. It also includes health-promoting, preventive and rehabilitative measures. C.A.T takes place individually and withi n a group setting e.g. in therapeuticRead MoreFinding The Way With Service Animals Essay1323 Words   |  6 Pageswith ell-known traits such as trainability, loyalty, intelligence, strength, and endurance† (Ostermeier 587). In today s society, we have numerous people who are unaware of the services that animals can provide for humans. Specifically humans with mental or physical disabilities. 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When talking about animal-assisted therapy, poeple are using the presence of animals as a way to heal for therapeutic reasons. Targeting no specific p atient, this practice is used throughout various age for various diseases and emotional, physical and intellectual disabilities. Animal-Assisted Therapy works to provide happiness throughout the rough times for any patient. Although a few individuals detest animal-assisted therapyRead MoreAnimal Assisted Therapy And Human Relations1299 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Animal Assisted Therapy is an area of Human Relations. Human Relations deals with counseling and Therapy. The use of animals help people relax and deal with the issues, problems and stresses in their lives. People see the unconditional love of the animal as acceptance as they are broken and hurt. Therapists have chosen Animal Assisted Therapy because they want to help people. The use of animals create a safe transition to conversation. People find the common love of an animal andRead MorePost Traumatic Stress Disorder ( Ptsd ) Essay2160 Words   |  9 Pages Shari Duval began extensive research on animal-assisted therapy for the maintenance and treatment of disorders such as PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). In 2011, Duval created K9s For Warriors (K9s), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing trained service dogs to active duty service members and veterans to assist in regaining comfort and independence in the civilian sector. Their overarching mission is to †Å"...provide service canines to warriors suffering from Post-traumatic stressRead MoreAnimal Assisted Therapy ( Aat )2411 Words   |  10 PagesAnimal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a form of therapy which promotes social interaction, as well as improvements in human social, emotional, physical and/or cognitive functioning, creates an environment where the client can disclose and experience empathy, trust, sensitivity, and comfort (Coetzee, Beukes, Lynch, 2013; Pet Partners, 2012). Pet/animal assisted therapy has been traced back to the 18th century, with records indicating that in 1919 pets accompanied psychiatric patients in a WashingtonRead MoreChildren With Anxiety And Attachment Issues2371 Words   |  10 Pagesone effort to help, Sara’s parents enrolled her in an Assisted-Animal Therapy program for students struggling with reading. Lo and behold, after a few months, Sara’s teachers noted that her reading improved markedly. During in class reading assessments, Saraà ¢â‚¬â„¢s reading level jumped an entire grade level with the dog present. The teachers called in her parents for a conference, happy to share their findings. Sara’s parents decided to adopt a therapy dog for their home. Soon after, her family adopted â€Å"Elsa†