Farm animals as effective as dogs and cats in alleviating mental illness

A new study, published online in Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, suggests that animal assisted therapy for people with mental disorders can be effective with farm animals. It is well known that such therapy with dogs and cats is beneficial. This study, within the context of Green Care, a concept that involves the use of farm animals, plants, gardens, or the landscape in recreational or work-related interventions for different target groups of clients in cooperation with health authorities. The present study aimed at examining effects of a 12-week intervention with farm animals on self-efficacy, coping ability and quality of life among adult psychiatric patients with a variety of psychiatric diagnoses.

The study was carried out with 90 patients with a variety of mental disorders: schizophrenia, anxiety, depression and personality disorders. After six months of animal assisted therapy with farm animals, all patients reported significantly increased coping skills.