Psychiatric Service Dogs

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Psychiatric Service Dogs
6
Tue, 10-17-2006 - 4:36pm

Psychiatric Service Dogs


Most people know about seeing-eye dogs for the visually impaired, but what about service dogs to help people with mental illnesses?


Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) -- a relatively new phenomenon -- are dogs that are individually trained to work or perform tasks for individuals living with mental illnesses.


Although there is little research into the effectiveness of PSDs for people with mental illness, Aaron Katcher, M.D., emeritus professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, has examined the interaction between animals and people. He has found "much evidence that social support is a critical variable in the recovery from many serious biological disorders including psychiatric illnesses."


NAMI New York's Phil Kirschner took his own doctor's suggestion that a dog might help provide needed structure to his life and help him with his depression. He states, " I had never considered owning a dog before, and I admit to being somewhat overwhelmed by the thought of having to learn how to take care of a dog, train a dog, etc."


Tasks PSDs can be trained to perform include:


* Remind handler to take medication on time

* Warm handler's body during a panic attack

* Interrupt repetitive behaviors

* Attend to handler during emotional distress

* Accompany handler outside of the home

* Provide discernment against hallucination

* Mitigate paranoia with reality testing


Kirschner says he has experienced issues related to life with a service dog that he had not anticipated, including access challenges.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-2005
Tue, 10-17-2006 - 9:48pm

i have to say that my dog is service animal. he makes me feel safe and loved and more confident to go out at night. I would be more paranoid without him. He i great. Its also great to not have to pay a pet deposit or pet rent each month since he is a certified companion animal. I would suggest getting a dog to help you out!

April

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Wed, 10-18-2006 - 12:19am

April,


It's interesting to know that being a certified companion animal enables you to escape additional pet related deposits & rents.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2006
Wed, 10-18-2006 - 8:14am

Hi Marci! I have 4 dogs and 1 foster dog. We are volunteers that do foster/rescue for abandoned or owner-surrendered pugs (although not all my dogs are pugs). I just know that I couldn't live without dogs in my life. I have cried on their fur many times over the years (my oldest is 12) and they just bring pure joy. I am very lucky to have a friend who will come to my house and stay if we go out of town - she's a dog lover too and has been around for 12 years as well!!

Pug hugs, Kelli





<
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2006
Wed, 10-18-2006 - 10:30am

OMG...I love my dog. She is so good to me. Kisses me all the time and when I pick her up she puts her head on my shoulder like she is hugging me...it's so cute. I talk to her and she has licked my tears when I have cried. When my mom died she was my life saver. The weird part is when me and my bf would argue or I just got tired of living here with him, not very often but when it happens I start to grieve over the very thought of not having my dog around. She is in his name but I gave her to him. So, she makes me want to stay. She makes me laugh everyday, even when I have been suicidal, this dog makes me laugh. Having a friend like that is the best. And she never disagrees with me...LOL


Tina




     ~ Tina ~

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-03-2006
Wed, 10-18-2006 - 1:06pm

Oh I'm right there with ya! Seth is my puppy-son. He's a boxer / pitpull mix and an 81 pound lap dog. He sleeps with me in the bed, with his head on my pillow- yes, we share a pillow all snuggled up together every night. He's very smart, loving, and affectionate. I love him more than anything. When he was younger he broke his hip by falling and I drug the mattress down stairs and slept on it on the living room floor with him for 8 weeks because he wasn't suppose to go up or down stairs, and the dr wanted him to sleep on 6" or more of bedding since they did not put him in a cast.

If he did not have separation anxiety, I'd say he'd be an awesome service dog. I have babied him too much though so he's a couch layin, bed sleepin, lap sittin, food bowl carrying, spoilt rotten stinker!

<3 <3 <3


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-2005
Wed, 10-18-2006 - 9:25pm

Marci,

There really isnt'much more to what my dogs does. He is just there to love me and help me feel safe. Oh and be our friend. We didnt' get him to be anythng than just a pet but as I developed my psych problems we noticed that i was better with him. He helped me go outside, which is great. I have to do so he can go potty. Going outside makes me feel better its just getting me there is what is hard.

April

I forgot to say that the companion animal thing is a fedral thing that your Dr fills out.




Edited 10/18/2006 9:27 pm ET by holidayangel