The Benefits Of Service Dogs For Schizophrenia: A Unique Support Option
Various interventions may be supportive for people living with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Since one singular approach may not be effective for everyone, alternative options are often available. One of these options may be service dogs, which can serve as companions and perform specific tasks to help with schizophrenia symptoms. Before adopting a service dog, you can complete research and consider whether friends or loved ones may be able to help you care for the dog during times when symptoms are severe. While having a service dog can be a helpful form of support, professional treatment for schizophrenia is often necessary to improve symptoms.
What is a service dog?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog can be defined as a “dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” Emotional support is not considered an eligible task. For a service dog to be able to enter public spaces, they must be trained to complete specific physical tasks, such as medication retrieval, as well as be trained in obedience and public access.
Psychiatric service dogs can support individuals with disabilities
Service dogs can support people with various disabilities, including physical disabilities like mobility challenges and psychological disabilities like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia. In general, psychiatric service dogs are trained by a trainer, service dog program, or their owner. A psychiatric service dog can support an individual with a mental illness, as opposed to a physical assistance dog, such as a guide dog for those with visual impairments.
Contrary to popular belief, no official registrations or identity cards are typically required for service dogs to enter public spaces. Some psychiatric service dogs trained by a certain program might have an ID or specialized vest but are not required to show this identification. When taking a service dog in public, business owners and employees are legally allowed to ask two questions:
- “Is this a service dog trained to aid in a disability?”
- “What tasks does your dog perform for you?”
A psychiatric service dog is different from an ESA
People with mental illnesses might also benefit from having an emotional support animal (ESA). This is generally a pet for which a person has been provided with a doctor's or therapist’s note so that they can live in non-pet-friendly housing.
Emotional support animals usually differ from service animals. They can provide emotional support to someone with a disability, but they are not trained in specific tasks and are not allowed in public spaces like grocery stores without permission from the store owner. A psychiatric service animal is considered distinct from an ESA or therapy dog.
How can psychiatric service dogs benefit people with schizophrenia?
A trained service dog can be a helpful companion for people with any mental illness. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 86% of pet owners report that their pets positively impact their mental health. Pets can offer companionship, a calming presence, and a reason to get up and do daily chores. Service dogs can offer similar benefits, as they typically live as pets while at home. However, they can also perform specialized tasks to further support people with mental illness.
Service dogs for schizophrenia can give support
Individuals with schizophrenia often experience episodes of psychosis, which may involve symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. A service animal can support a person experiencing negative symptoms like social withdrawal, a lack of response to one’s environment, and difficulty practicing self-care.
Service dog tasks to help those with schizophrenia
Each service dog and how they are trained tends to be unique to the handler. Dogs are normally trained on tasks based on what will most support the owner. For example, someone with severe hallucinations may require different forms of support than someone with disorganized behavior and anhedonia (a lack of positive emotion). Below are some potential service dog tasks for people with schizophrenia:
- Medication reminders
- Medication retrieval
- Reality testing (alerting to hallucinations)
- Social interaction support
- Searching the room
- Finding support in an emergency
- Interrupting hallucinations
- Deep pressure therapy (DPT)
- Guiding a handler to a safe person or location
- Grounding
How to get a service dog
In the US, any dog can become a service dog, regardless of breed and size. Owners, trainers, or programs can offer psychiatric service dog training. Individuals can get a dog from a shelter, breeder, or program breeder. However, a specific type of temperament can be necessary when selecting a dog, as calm and easily trainable dogs are typically preferred.
Service dog programs
Service dog programs can be defined as programs and organizations that breed and train service dogs for individuals with disabilities. These programs generally train the dog for you and may include you in training sessions.
Programs often come with a higher price tag, but scholarships may be available for some people, depending on the program chosen. After the dog has reached a year of age, is trained, and has practiced with the handler, they may be released to go home together. The program may check in to ensure the dog continues to follow training and is a good fit for the handler.
Service dog trainers
A service dog trainer usually offers training to a dog that the handler has adopted or purchased themselves. In general, a trainer does not provide intensive care, but may complete weekly sessions with the individual. As a dog is training, the dog typically wears a “Service Dog in Training” vest, which can identify the animal to the public. States often have different laws on how service dogs in training can access public spaces, so make sure to review these laws before going out alone or with a trainer.
Owner training
An owner can train their own service dog as long as they can independently train obedience, public access, and tasks. Some individuals learn how to train these tasks via online videos, or they may take a class on service dog training.
Individuals with schizophrenia may have difficulty training their own service dogs, as symptoms could interfere with the process. However, working with a caregiver, family member, or friend may be helpful. Some people prefer owner training for affordability, as the training tools are often low-cost.
Important considerations when you have service dogs for schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can be a severe mental illness. Therefore, some individuals living with this disorder may have difficulty caring for an animal. During active episodes, someone with schizophrenia may need to designate another person to check in and ensure the dog is receiving proper care.
In some cases, a caregiver may handle the dog when the animal is off duty. People with schizophrenia may find themselves more capable of taking on the care of a dog when ensuring they have other resources available, such as medication and therapy.
Medication for schizophrenia
Medication is often considered the primary treatment for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Antipsychotic medications can reduce hallucinations and delusions to help people with schizophrenia focus on self-care and caring for a pet.
Consult a medical doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication for any condition. The information in this article is not a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis.
Alternative support options besides a psychiatric service dog
A service dog can be beneficial alongside other treatment options, but this isn’t the only option available. Individuals may also benefit from speaking to a licensed therapist about their experiences with schizophrenia to learn coping techniques and receive advice for daily living.
However, some people with schizophrenia may have difficulty reaching these services due to distance, financial struggles, or symptom severity. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be beneficial. Online platforms generally allow individuals to connect with therapists from home via phone, video, or live chat. Please note that individuals experiencing acute psychotic symptoms may require in-person support.
Effectiveness of online therapy for people with schizophrenia
Studies typically back up the effectiveness of online therapy for individuals with schizophrenia. One study published in 2015 found that individuals with schizophrenia who tried an online intervention group with their family members tended to have lower perceived stress and a higher perceived level of social support after three months of treatment.
Takeaway
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that can cause symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. In some cases, a service dog might be a helpful option to reduce symptom severity or help someone with schizophrenia take their medications on time. However, a service dog is usually a significant responsibility, as the dog is also a pet and can require frequent care, walks, and veterinary appointments. For this reason, considering all aspects of having a service dog and whether you have the necessary support available can be beneficial.
For further guidance and support with schizophrenia symptoms, reach out to a therapist online or in your area. A therapist can offer advice and guide you through daily life. They may also help you implement tools for treatment adherence, grounding yourself, and completing reality checks when hallucinations occur.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about service dogs for schizophrenia.
Can dogs sense mental disability?
Yes. Studies in veterinary science suggest that dogs can detect some symptoms of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Can anxiety qualify you for a service dog?
Yes. Anxiety can be categorized as a disability under the Americans with Disability Act, so people with this mental health condition may qualify for a service dog or psychiatric assistance dog. These dogs can play a pivotal role in helping someone with anxiety manage symptoms. For example, they can detect the signs of a panic attack and provide support as necessary.
New research out of James Cook University suggests most people support the use of service dogs for those with disabilities. The ADA requires that nursing homes and other facilities allow service dogs.
What is the smartest service dog?
Border collies are often considered the smartest service dogs.
Are there service dogs for severe anxiety?
Yes. These types of service dogs are often referred to as psychiatric assistance dogs. These remarkable animals receive special training to directly assist individuals with mental health conditions.
What is the best service dog for schizophrenia?
There may not be a single best service dog for schizophrenia. Breeds suited for psychiatric assistance dog use include German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, and Labrador Retrievers. These dogs tend to be well-behaved and have the right temperament to provide services to people with schizophrenia.
How do service dogs help people with schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia service dogs are specially trained dogs that provide companionship and support for people diagnosed with this severe mental illness. Here are some of the day-to-day tasks they can perform:
- Provide assistance with social interactions
- Increase safety in unfamiliar public places
- Fetch medication
- Attend appointments and provide emotional support
- Recognize signs of a psychotic episode
What are the benefits of animal assisted therapy for schizophrenia?
Research suggests that assistance from service dogs and other animals trained for providing support to people with schizophrenia can significantly improve social functioning and play a crucial role in overall well-being for individuals with this psychiatric condition. Every dog and every individual is unique, though, so it could be important to maintain realistic expectations.
Can a service dog help with auditory hallucinations?
Yes. Many service dogs are trained in performing tasks to assist people differentiate hallucinations from reality. For example, they can help people hearing voices determine whether someone is actually present by alerting to a person arriving or leaving.
Can dogs sense schizophrenia?
Dogs may have the ability to sense psychological stress. This could be due to the unique human-animal bond, but they cannot detect specific psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.
Do service dogs get stressed?
Yes. The ADA defines service animals as working dogs, not pets. Thus, stress can play a vital role in how well a service dog performs during their daily routine. To stay focused on their job, service dogs may need to avoid other sources of stress.
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