Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapy in Adolescents with Eating Disorders: A Study Protocol for a Pilot Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders are characterized by a persistent disturbance that alters food intake and it is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or reduced functional capacity and quality of life. Animal-assisted therapies (AAT) have shown benefits in these variables in children and adult populations. Thus, the present pilot study will aim to evaluate the effects of a dog-assisted therapy on the eating disorders symptoms, mental, psychosocial, and physical health, quality of life, and handgrip strength of adolescents suffering from eating disorders. Methods: The current pilot study will involve 32 patients, who will be assigned to a control or an experimental group. Intervention will be conducted once a week for seven weeks. Neither the experimental nor the control group will discontinue their usual care. The main outcome measures will be the eating disorder symptoms and the health-related quality of life measured with standardized questionnaires, while the secondary variables will be anxiety, depression, character, behavior, strength, and body mass. Conclusions: This pilot-controlled trial will be the first to evaluate the effects of dog-assisted therapy on the physical and mental health of adolescents with eating disorders. Significant improvements, in the primary and secondary outcomes, may be expected based on the known benefits of AAT on self-esteem, stress, and self-control in different populations. Finally, although the program is focused on the improvement of adolescents’ health, animal welfare will be a priority in this study.

Balancing the Risks and Benefits of Pet Ownership in Pediatric Transplant Recipients

“…12 AAT has shown psychological benefits in children with cancer and in hospitalized children, decreasing loneliness and increasing relaxation, socialization, and self-esteem, 11 and has been widely used as an adjunct therapy for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other mental health disorders. 13,[27][28][29] Among hospitalized children, a reduction in postoperative pain perception has been documented, as well as a decrease in distress when children were in contact with animals during venipuncture. 11,37,38 Only 2 studies have addressed AAT among pediatric transplant recipients, and these included only 20 children.…”

“…Acute manifestations such as anxiety and depression tend to diminish in the first years after transplantation 4 ; however, many children continue to exhibit emotional, cognitive, social, and behavioral problems in the long term. 13,[27][28][29] These difficulties often lead to poorer academic and family functioning and, consequently, a poorer quality of life, [2][3][4]30 with an impact on adherence that can compromise transplant success. 31 Conversely, better family adjustment has been associated with better outcomes.…”

Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapy on the Physical Function and Communication Skills of Adults with Autism: A Study Protocol for a Controlled Study

“…The dog must not be hungry when training and must always have access to fresh water. All these statements have been followed in other studies [34,35] will be supervised by the head and academics of the Animal-Assisted Intervention Office of the University.…”

Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Case Study

“…The delivery of AAT can be a valuable approach in the most varied contexts: from applications for children (autism and hyperactivity) and adolescents (anorexia and self-esteem problems) to intervention with patients with neuromotor and sensory disabilities and to relieve the loneliness and depression that may arise in senile age [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”