Impact of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Psychological Well-being and Social Functioning in Inpatients of Mental Health Facilities: A Systematic Review

Abstract

At the turn of the century, animals became increasingly popular in mental health treatments such as psychiatric disorders. Studies denote the numerous health benefits of these animals on patients, leading to the integration of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) in psychiatric treatment programs. This systematic review includes randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled studies, and observational studies with control groups published in the last 20 years. Studies are peer-reviewed, and report on AAT interventions among psychiatric inpatients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in improving mental health outcomes across various psychiatric disorders in diverse in-patient populations, including children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on measurable improvements in psychiatric symptoms, social functioning, and quality of life indicators. The findings suggest that AAT has the potential of being a beneficial adjunctive treatment for improving mental health outcomes in psychiatric in-patient across all patient demographics. These results underscore the potential for integrating AAT into existing therapeutic modalities, offering a complementary approach that leverages the unique benefits of the human-animal bond.