Animal-assisted therapy - magic or medicine?
A sound theoretical basis supported by scientifically measured physiological parameters is needed to gain medical support for animal-assisted therapy. Six neurochemicals associated with a decrease in blood pressure were measured in humans (n=18) and dogs (n=18) before and after positive interaction. Results (P<.05) indicated that in both species the neurochemicals involved with attention-seeking or attentionis egens behavior have increased. This information can be used as a rationale for animal-assisted therapy.
Odendaal
J S
JS
Life Sciences Research Institute, Technikon Pretoria, Private Bag X680, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa. odendaalj@techpta.ac.za
D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000097:blood; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008149:Love; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000097:blood; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011932:Reading; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood
D010121:Oxytocin; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D011388:Prolactin; D004298:Dopamine; D006854:Hydrocortisone