The Court of Justice (STJ) has defined that emotional support animals do not have the same rights as the guide dogs with regard to compulsory permanence in the booth, both on national and international travel. According to experts, more than simple company, these animals offer emotional security and help in the psychic self -regulation of their tutors.
“The emotional support dog is an animal that offers support, comfort and emotional safety for people with mental and psychic disorders, such as anxiety, depression. Panic and posttraumatic stress disorder,” explains the psychologist LETICIA OLIVEIRA the CNN . “Having this link, this constant bond next to it, allows the person to be able to regulate emotionally more easily,” adds the professional.
According to Oliveira, the indication of an emotional support dog usually happens when conventional treatments – such as psychotherapy and psychiatric medication – are not achieving the expected results. “When we realize that the person has a need for persistent bond and insecurity, and treatments are already in progress are not having the desired effect, We can consider the dog as part of care. ”
Contact with the animal can still cause positive physiological and emotional reactions.
“Interacting with a dog can increase oxytocin levels, commonly called“ love hormone ”, and reduce cortisol levels, stress hormone”, points out the psychologist and neuroscientist points Julio Peres the CNN . “In addition, the emotional bond with the dog can help improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. For example, a 30 -year -old patient who had severe depression and refused to leave home began to feel motivated to walk his dog, which gradually triggered with psychotherapy a number of other healthy behaviors.”
The concept of care can also be aid factor. “When we are there as a dog caregiver, we focus, worry, are responsible, we even take the focus of other issues that may be anxious. Besides, of course, the bond, affection and sense of belonging. All of this helps the person to regulate,” adds Letícia Oliveira.
“I also consider the recommendation when the patient has difficulty establishing social bonds or needs an additional stimulus to participate in activities. Caring is to provide and receive affection as a two -way way. The differential is that a friendly dog will love its owner unconditionally, and this facts makes a huge difference in the recovery of the psychological balance of many people,” says Julio Peres.
Continuous follow -up
Involvement with the dog does not replace clinical treatment and requires specialized follow -up. The psychologist ALESSANDRA DEMITE Professor at the São Judas University, warns that the Use of emotional support dogs should be closely monitored . “We have weekly or biweekly sessions to evaluate the impact of the dog on symptoms. The patient reports emotional changes such as reducing anxiety crises, increased motivation or social engagement,” he explains.
“If the dog does not bring expected benefits, the psychologist can reassess the indication or combine other interventions, such as intensive cognitive-behavioral therapy. Family involvement is still extremely important, because the psychologist discusses with family the role of the dog, ensuring patient support,” adds the expert.
Alessandra also brings that the main behavioral or emotional changes already identified are: Reduction of anxiety symptoms; Humor improvement; Increased socialization; greater emotional stability and self -confidence .
“It is important to emphasize that not all patients respond equally. Some may feel overload with the care of the animal, and the benefits depend on the quality of the tutor dog bond and the therapeutic support,” concludes the doctor.
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This content was originally published in an emotional support dog: what it is and how it helps in human well-being on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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