Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a psychological and physiological rehabilitation method that combines animal interaction with professional therapy. Through trained therapy animals interacting with patients, this therapy aims to improve psychological well-being, social skills, or physical functions. Its core is to utilize the positive relationship between humans and animals to facilitate the achievement of therapeutic goals, commonly used in medical institutions, nursing homes, and special education environments.
This form of therapy was first systematically applied in the 1960s and has now become an important adjunct to traditional medical treatment. The therapy process is usually planned by professional therapists, with strict monitoring of interactions between animals and patients to ensure safety and efficacy.
Animal-assisted therapy is divided into three main types:
Neuroscientific research shows that contact with animals can stimulate limbic system activity and promote mirror neuron responses, which have unique benefits for cognitive development in children with autism. The non-verbal communication characteristics of animals also make them ideal interaction partners for patients with speech disorders.
This therapy is suitable for various mental and physical disabilities:
In Taiwan, this therapy is often used in pediatric wards to alleviate children's fear of medical procedures or in rehabilitation centers to help cerebral palsy patients improve muscle endurance. Studies have shown significant improvements in non-verbal communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The therapy is usually conducted weekly, with each session lasting 30 to 60 minutes. The specific frequency is adjusted based on the patient's condition:
Therapists will tailor personalized plans based on goals, such as starting with pet care for stroke patients and gradually transitioning to horseback riding therapy. All animals must pass health checks, and the treatment environment must meet infection control standards set by the health authorities.
Main therapeutic effects include:
Compared to medication, this method is non-invasive with low side effects. It may also provide additional benefits for patients resistant to drugs (such as some psychiatric patients). Studies indicate that serum oxytocin levels increase after a single session, demonstrating its potential to promote prosocial behaviors.
Main risks include:
Rare but serious complications include bites or scratches; statistics show approximately 0.3 minor injuries per 1,000 treatments. Patients with compromised immunity (such as cancer patients) should undergo strict evaluation before participation.
Contraindications include:
Before participation, the following must be completed:
This therapy can be combined with medication but requires attention to:
When combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), initial animal interaction can reduce patients' defensive psychology before proceeding to talk therapy. However, animals should not be regarded as the sole focus of treatment; the core therapeutic relationship between humans and patients must be maintained.
A 2018 systematic review showed that children with autism participating in therapy increased their social gaze time by an average of 2.3 seconds per instance. For war trauma survivors, PTSD scores decreased by 34% after 6 weeks of treatment.
In the field of physical rehabilitation, hippotherapy has been incorporated into the American Occupational Therapy Association's standard programs, showing significant improvements in balance among children with cerebral palsy (p<0.05). A 2021 study at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan also confirmed its positive effects on reducing depression in the elderly.
If animal therapy is contraindicated, alternatives include:
For those needing physical rehabilitation, aquatic therapy or robotic-assisted surgery are feasible alternatives. However, these should be tailored to individual case needs, and not all effects can be fully replaced.
Patients should first undergo a professional assessment to confirm their physical and mental suitability for contact with animals. Allergies or phobias should be disclosed in advance; staff will select gentle, trained therapy animals. Additionally, a comfortable environment should be prepared, and treatment sessions should not exceed the patient's tolerance to avoid fatigue or stress.
What should be done if anxiety or resistance occurs during therapy?The therapist will adjust interaction methods promptly, such as shortening contact time or switching to non-contact activities. Patients can use deep breathing or temporarily leave the environment to calm down. Family members should remain calm and avoid forcing participation. If resistance persists, the therapy plan should be re-evaluated with the team to prevent adverse reactions.
What lifestyle adjustments are recommended post-treatment to enhance effects?It is recommended to schedule 10-15 minutes daily for "animal interaction recall practice," such as drawing or narrating experiences with animals. Family members can encourage patients to maintain regular routines and reduce exposure to stimulating media to consolidate the peaceful state cultivated during therapy.
Can animal-assisted therapy be combined with medication or psychological counseling?Yes, under the coordination of a professional medical team, but attention should be paid to scheduling to avoid fatigue. For example, performing animal interaction one hour after medication intake or using animal contact after counseling to alleviate emotions. Regular communication with the primary physician is necessary to ensure therapies do not interfere with each other.
How soon can noticeable improvements be observed after treatment? What are the evaluation criteria?Short-term effects typically appear after 6-8 sessions, such as reduced anxiety levels or increased social willingness. Evaluation criteria include behavioral observation scales, patient-reported emotional diaries, and interaction activity indicators recorded by therapists. Long-term effects require ongoing follow-up for over six months, combined with psychological assessment tools for comprehensive judgment.
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