Animal-assisted therapy in patients affected by schizophrenia and schizophrenic-related disorders: A scoping review

Introduction: Schizophrenia poses significant challenges in psychiatric care. Amidst established practices such as pharmacological therapy and psychotherapy, Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is gaining attention as a potential approach to enhance the psychophysical well-being of patients with schizophr...

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Main Authors: Martina Finistrella, Paolo Flores, Gianpaolo Frediani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: International Network for the Advancement of Medicine, Psychology, and Public Health (INAMPPH) 2024-04-01
Series:Advances in Medicine, Psychology, and Public Health
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Online Access:https://ampphealthjournal-network.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AMPHH_2024_-53_61.pdf
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author Martina Finistrella
Paolo Flores
Gianpaolo Frediani
author_facet Martina Finistrella
Paolo Flores
Gianpaolo Frediani
author_sort Martina Finistrella
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Schizophrenia poses significant challenges in psychiatric care. Amidst established practices such as pharmacological therapy and psychotherapy, Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is gaining attention as a potential approach to enhance the psychophysical well-being of patients with schizophrenia. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on the impact of AAT on schizophrenia, focusing on changes in symptoms and overall well-being of affected individuals and identifying potential areas for intervention and future research. Methods: A systematic search was conducted from August to September 2023 using a scoping review methodology. The review encompassed international biomedical databases, including PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, and Embase, and incorporated additional resources such as relevant textbooks and gray literature. Results: The review highlights AAT as a promising co-therapeutic approach, demonstrating benefits across physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions in schizophrenia patients. It is particularly noted for its potential in alleviating the disorder's negative symptoms. Discussion and Conclusions: The findings of this scoping review suggest that AAT could play a significant role in treating and managing schizophrenia, enhancing patient well-being and treatment adherence. However, the review also reveals gaps in current research and emphasizes the need for further studies to establish a more robust evidence base. This would aid in better understanding the efficacy of AAT and in integrating it effectively into mental health care practices for schizophrenia
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spelling doaj-art-d1936775498c4478afebed6047ef746e2025-08-20T02:48:57ZengInternational Network for the Advancement of Medicine, Psychology, and Public Health (INAMPPH)Advances in Medicine, Psychology, and Public Health3034-88032024-04-0112536110.5281/zenodo.10632991Animal-assisted therapy in patients affected by schizophrenia and schizophrenic-related disorders: A scoping reviewMartina Finistrella0https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9641-5123Paolo Flores1Gianpaolo Frediani2Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, ASST Fatebenefratelli and Sacco, Milan- ItalyUniversity of Milan, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco- Milan- ItalyIntroduction: Schizophrenia poses significant challenges in psychiatric care. Amidst established practices such as pharmacological therapy and psychotherapy, Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is gaining attention as a potential approach to enhance the psychophysical well-being of patients with schizophrenia. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on the impact of AAT on schizophrenia, focusing on changes in symptoms and overall well-being of affected individuals and identifying potential areas for intervention and future research. Methods: A systematic search was conducted from August to September 2023 using a scoping review methodology. The review encompassed international biomedical databases, including PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, and Embase, and incorporated additional resources such as relevant textbooks and gray literature. Results: The review highlights AAT as a promising co-therapeutic approach, demonstrating benefits across physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions in schizophrenia patients. It is particularly noted for its potential in alleviating the disorder's negative symptoms. Discussion and Conclusions: The findings of this scoping review suggest that AAT could play a significant role in treating and managing schizophrenia, enhancing patient well-being and treatment adherence. However, the review also reveals gaps in current research and emphasizes the need for further studies to establish a more robust evidence base. This would aid in better understanding the efficacy of AAT and in integrating it effectively into mental health care practices for schizophreniahttps://ampphealthjournal-network.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AMPHH_2024_-53_61.pdfanimal-assisted therapyreviewschizophreniawell-being
spellingShingle Martina Finistrella
Paolo Flores
Gianpaolo Frediani
Animal-assisted therapy in patients affected by schizophrenia and schizophrenic-related disorders: A scoping review
Advances in Medicine, Psychology, and Public Health
animal-assisted therapy
review
schizophrenia
well-being
title Animal-assisted therapy in patients affected by schizophrenia and schizophrenic-related disorders: A scoping review
title_full Animal-assisted therapy in patients affected by schizophrenia and schizophrenic-related disorders: A scoping review
title_fullStr Animal-assisted therapy in patients affected by schizophrenia and schizophrenic-related disorders: A scoping review
title_full_unstemmed Animal-assisted therapy in patients affected by schizophrenia and schizophrenic-related disorders: A scoping review
title_short Animal-assisted therapy in patients affected by schizophrenia and schizophrenic-related disorders: A scoping review
title_sort animal assisted therapy in patients affected by schizophrenia and schizophrenic related disorders a scoping review
topic animal-assisted therapy
review
schizophrenia
well-being
url https://ampphealthjournal-network.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AMPHH_2024_-53_61.pdf
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AT gianpaolofrediani animalassistedtherapyinpatientsaffectedbyschizophreniaandschizophrenicrelateddisordersascopingreview