Animal-assisted therapy

What is animal-assisted therapy?

Animal-assisted interventions use trained animals to help improve physical, mental and social functions in people with schizophrenia. It is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process, which usually involves pharmaceutical and psychosocial treatment components. It has been shown to improve outcomes for people with autism-spectrum symptoms, medical difficulties, and behavioural problems.

What is the evidence for animal-assisted therapy?

Moderate to low quality evidence suggests animal-assisted therapy may improve social functioning, symptoms, treatment adherence, self-esteem, and self-determination.

September 2020

Last updated at: 2:43 am, 11th September 2020
To view documentation related to this topic download the files below
Fact Sheet Technical Commentary

NeuRA Libraries

Title Colour Legend:
Green - Topic summary is available.
Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.