Depression often occurs with individuals suffering from cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and the elderly. According to a World Health Organization survey, depression is the fourth universal ailment. A definition of depression provided by the DSM IV describes major depressive disorder as persistent sorrow accompanied by low physical activity. Symptoms such as weakened interest in most or all activities, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, indecisiveness, and recurrent thoughts of death pervade as well. The tireless belief that one cannot care for themselves may hamper choices to improve upon an individual’s current condition. Decreasing depression with an intimidating illness may increase these patients quality of life, ignite their motivation to seek further help and perhaps bring their illness into remission. When ill, depression may be a natural side-effect. However, a plan to push through negative blocks may reduce symptoms of illness.
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Research has shown that physiological, as well as psychological, effects may occur after an animal-assisted session. The first recorded animal interventions in the United States occurred in 1942 at the Pawling Army Air Force Convalescent hospital in Pawling, New York (Behling & Haefner, 2011). Interaction with pet animals and farm animals was hoped to relieve stress and exhaustion. In some research studies the physical activity of dog-walking has decreased catecholamines, which are hormones released during times of psychological and physical stress. The main types of these hormones are dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Additionally, research has shown an increase in endorphins when engaging with a friendly animal (Marcus, 2013). This research study also found that dogs’ olfactory ability may alert them to changes in participants’ health
Research has shown that physiological, as well as psychological, effects may occur after an animal-assisted session. The first recorded animal interventions in the United States occurred in 1942 at the Pawling Army Air Force Convalescent hospital in Pawling, New York (Behling & Haefner, 2011). Interaction with pet animals and farm animals was hoped to relieve stress and exhaustion. In some research studies the physical activity of dog-walking has decreased catecholamines, which are hormones released during times of psychological and physical stress. The main types of these hormones are dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Additionally, research has shown an increase in endorphins when engaging with a friendly animal (Marcus, 2013). This research study also found that dogs’ olfactory ability may alert them to changes in participants’ health