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The Efficacy of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Patients with Dual Diagnosis: Schizophrenia and Addiction

Author

Listed:
  • Miguel Monfort

    (TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
    Proyecto Amigó, 12006 Castelló de la Plana, Spain)

  • Ana Benito

    (TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
    Torrente Mental Health Unit, Hospital General Universitario Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain)

  • Gonzalo Haro

    (TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
    Severe Dual Disorder Program, Mental Health Department, Hospital Provincial de Castellón, 12002 Castelló de la Plana, Spain)

  • Alejandro Fuertes-Saiz

    (TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
    Psychiatry Service, Hospital La Salud, 46021 Valencia, Spain)

  • Monserrat Cañabate

    (TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
    University Clinic Hospital, 46014 Valencia, Spain)

  • Abel Baquero

    (TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
    Proyecto Amigó, 12006 Castelló de la Plana, Spain
    Severe Dual Disorder Program, Mental Health Department, Hospital Provincial de Castellón, 12002 Castelló de la Plana, Spain)

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an animal-assisted-therapy (AAT) program in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and substance-use disorders in residential treatment in order to intervene in the remission of negative and positive symptoms and improve quality of life and adherence to treatment, favouring the clinical stabilization of patients who participate in the AAT program, within the context of a mental-illness-treatment device. This was a quasi-experimental prospective study with intersubject and intrasubject factors. The sample comprised 36 patients (21 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group) who were evaluated at three time points (in the 3rd, 6th, and 10th sessions). The program lasted 3 months and consisted of 10 sessions that were implemented once a week, with a maximum participation of 10 patients per group. The participants were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia and the Life Skills Profile-20 (LSP-20) questionnaire. We observed a decrease in the positive symptoms of psychosis ( F: 27.80, p = 0.001) and an improvement in functionality ( F: 26.70, p < 0.001) as the sessions progressed. On the basis of these results, we concluded that AAT seems to be valid as a coadjuvant therapy as part of the rehabilitation processes of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and addiction-spectrum disorders (dual diagnosis).

Suggested Citation

  • Miguel Monfort & Ana Benito & Gonzalo Haro & Alejandro Fuertes-Saiz & Monserrat Cañabate & Abel Baquero, 2022. "The Efficacy of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Patients with Dual Diagnosis: Schizophrenia and Addiction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6695-:d:828204
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Laura Contalbrigo & Marta De Santis & Marica Toson & Maria Montanaro & Luca Farina & Aldo Costa & Felice Alfonso Nava, 2017. "The Efficacy of Dog Assisted Therapy in Detained Drug Users: A Pilot Study in an Italian Attenuated Custody Institute," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-16, June.
    2. Defaru Desalegn & Shimelis Girma & Tilahun Abdeta, 2020. "Quality of life and its association with psychiatric symptoms and socio-demographic characteristics among people with schizophrenia: A hospital-based cross-sectional study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(2), pages 1-15, February.
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