Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects more than 20 million people worldwide. It is a complex illness that involves different symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, and emotional flatness.

Although there are treatments available, they may not be effective for everyone and can have adverse side effects. Research shows that dogs can be a useful alternative or complementary treatment for schizophrenia.

Can Dogs Help Patients with Schizophrenia?

The benefits of dogs on mental health are extensively studied. According to research, dogs can help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Dog ownership can increase social interactions, reduce loneliness, and promote physical activity.

For people with schizophrenia, a dog’s positive effect can be even more significant, as they tend to struggle with socialization and avoiding isolation.

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research reported that patients with schizophrenia who participated in a dog-walking group showed improvement in symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and self-esteem.

The patients also had fewer hospitalizations and needed fewer medications than those not assigned to the dog-walking group. Another study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases found that patients with schizophrenia who interacted with dogs for six weeks showed improvement in their mood and social functioning.

How Do Dogs Help?

The exact mechanism by which dogs relieve schizophrenia symptoms is not fully understood. However, several factors are believed to contribute to their positive effects. For example:.

Emotional Support

People with schizophrenia tend to struggle with emotional regulation. Dogs can provide emotional support by alleviating stress, easing loneliness and providing companionship.

Emotional support from dogs can help people with schizophrenia improve their mental health and functioning.

Social Interaction

Dogs can help people with schizophrenia overcome social isolation by providing a reason to leave their house and go outside.

Walking a dog in a park or participating in a dog-walking group can help improve social skills and build social support networks. Social interactions with animals may also promote the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to social bonding and stress reduction.

Decreased Anxiety

Pets can help reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and lowering stress levels. Research shows that petting a dog can lower cortisol levels, a hormone related to stress.

For people with schizophrenia, who can experience high levels of anxiety, pets can be a soothing presence that helps improve their overall wellbeing.

Physical Activity

Dogs require regular exercise and playtime, which can benefit their owners and improve their overall physical health. For people with schizophrenia, regular physical activity can help improve mood, reduce stress, and promote better sleep.

Walking a dog can also provide a daily routine and provide the patient with a sense of purpose.

Conclusion

Dogs can be an effective alternative or complementary treatment for people with schizophrenia. They can provide emotional support, improve social interaction, decrease anxiety, and promote physical activity.

Although dog ownership may not be suitable for everyone, the research suggests that interacting with dogs can have significant mental health benefits for patients with schizophrenia.