Canine-Assisted Therapy for Behavioral Disorders

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Jennifer A Ponting

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Chicago

Disqualifiers: Severe cognitive, psychiatric, physical, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 6 weeks

48 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy for Behavioral Disorders?

The concept of patient-centered care, which focuses on individualized and holistic treatment, has been shown to improve the quality of care in substance use disorder treatment. This approach, similar to canine-assisted therapy, emphasizes personalized care and could suggest potential benefits for behavioral disorders. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is canine-assisted therapy safe for humans?

Canine-assisted therapy is generally considered safe for humans, with no reported cases of infections transmitted from dogs to patients in the inpatient setting. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy different from other treatments for behavioral disorders?

Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy is unique because it involves specially trained dogs and handlers working together to engage and motivate patients, offering a novel approach that combines animal interaction with therapeutic goals. This therapy is distinct from traditional treatments as it provides an alternative route to comprehensive human health by incorporating the healing powers of animals, which can excite, distract, and encourage patients in ways that standard therapies may not. ^{9 10 11 12 13}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this pilot project is to test for initial efficacy of the Recovery \& Care Canine-Assisted Therapy program that has been developed and implemented in youth institutionalized for behavioral and emotional problems. We are using two study sites, Lawrence Hall and Lydia Home, both Chicago-based residential treatment centers for youth with behavioral and emotional problems, many of whom have experienced child maltreatment and trauma. Comparisons will be made to a matched sample of youth from Lawrence Hall and Lydia Home receiving treatment as usual. Results from this project will provide preliminary evidence of whether a structured, goal-oriented intervention program focused on dog training activities has direct impact on increasing youth emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and self-efficacy, which are important targets for intervention among youth with mental health problems. If successful, this project could lead to a larger, randomized control clinical trials study that tests the longitudinal impact of the program that could further lead to national dissemination of the Recovery \& Care curriculum as an alternative therapeutic approach.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for young people at Lawrence Hall receiving in-patient services. They must be able to give informed assent, stay for the full 6-week program, and attend at least one session if assigned to the canine therapy group. It's not suitable for those with severe cognitive or psychiatric conditions, animal allergies or phobias, or a history of mistreating animals.

Inclusion Criteria

Youth must be receiving in-patient services at Lawrence Hall

I understand and agree to participate in the study.

Youth must complete at least one of the primary outcomes during the baseline assessment

Exclusion Criteria

Severe animal allergy

Animal phobia

History of mistreatment of animals

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline

Baseline data collection occurs up to 1-month before the intervention

1 month

Treatment

Participants receive a 6-week canine therapy intervention with weekly sessions

6 weeks

6 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in emotional regulation and self-esteem up to 1-month post-intervention

1 month

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy

Trial Overview The study compares Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy—a structured program involving dog training activities—with usual treatment methods. The focus is on improving emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and self-efficacy among youth with mental health issues.

Participant Groups

Group I: Waitlist control Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Half of youth will receive treatment as usual.

Group II: Active intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Half of youth will be assigned to the active Recovery \& Care Canine-Assisted Therapy intervention arm.

Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy for:

• Emotional self-regulation
• Impulse control
• Self-efficacy in youth with mental health problems

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,086

Recruited

844,000+

Canine Therapy Corps

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

50+

Canine-Therapy Corp

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

100+

Findings from Research

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is an effective tool for individuals with psychiatric disabilities, helping them create personalized action plans for wellness and recovery.

Combining WRAP with sensory-based treatment allows clients to identify their sensory preferences, enhancing their recovery process, and occupational therapists play a key role in facilitating this integration.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using wellness recovery action plan and sensory-based intervention: a case example. Gardner, J., Dong-Olson, V., Castronovo, A., et al.[2013]

The Children's Health Council has implemented a treatment outcome and client satisfaction assessment program that serves approximately 300 families annually, highlighting the importance of measuring effectiveness in mental health services.

This program is designed to be simple and cost-effective, making it adaptable for other mental health professionals and agencies looking to improve their evaluation methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Measuring treatment outcome and client satisfaction among children and families. Plante, TG., Couchman, CE., Diaz, AR.[2019]

A systematic review of 582 abstracts identified 258 studies that used patient-based outcome assessment (PBOA) instruments in acupuncture research, highlighting the importance of tracking symptoms and functionality over time.

The five most common PBOA instruments used were the Visual Analog Scale, Symptom Diary, Numerical Pain Rating Scales, SF-36, and depression scales like the Beck Depression Inventory, emphasizing the need for reliable and valid measures to assess clinical outcomes in acupuncture.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient-based outcome assessment instruments in acupuncture research. Khorsan, R., York, A., Coulter, ID., et al.[2019]

The continuing day treatment program effectively rehabilitated four clients with chronic schizophrenia, demonstrating significant improvements in their symptoms and community adjustment.

The program's comprehensive and individualized approach, which included specialized services for different needs, proved to be more effective than less intensive outpatient treatments for these clients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Continuing day treatment programs promote recovery in schizophrenia: a case-based study. Handa, K., Grace, J., Trigoboff, E., et al.[2021]

A scoping review of 149 studies on patient-centered care (PCC) in substance use disorder treatment found that the therapeutic alliance was the most frequently described principle, emphasizing empathy and non-judgment as key characteristics.

Shared decision-making and individualized care were also important, with 36% and 30% of studies discussing these principles, respectively, highlighting the need for negotiation in treatment planning and personalized assessment approaches.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Conceptualizing patient-centered care for substance use disorder treatment: findings from a systematic scoping review. Marchand, K., Beaumont, S., Westfall, J., et al.[2023]

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), particularly with dogs, shows promise in significantly improving PTSD symptoms, as suggested by ongoing randomized controlled trials.

AAT may also have potential benefits in preventing suicide among PTSD patients and could be effective with various types of animals, not just canines.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Animal-Assisted Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Lessons from "Case Reports" in Media Stories. Altschuler, EL.[2019]

This study is the first to evaluate the effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on injured service members, specifically 24 participants in an Occupational Therapy Life Skills program, aiming to support their reintegration.

While no significant differences were found in measured outcomes, participants reported positive emotional experiences with therapy dogs, indicating potential benefits in mood and stress management, suggesting AAT may be a valuable addition to rehabilitation programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of animal-assisted therapy on wounded warriors in an Occupational Therapy Life Skills program. Beck, CE., Gonzales, F., Sells, CH., et al.[2012]

Canine-assisted therapy (CAT) is effective for patients of all ages with various medical issues in inpatient settings, based on a review of 44 relevant studies.

The review found no reported cases of transmitted infections, indicating that CAT is a safe intervention in hospitals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Canine-assisted therapy in the inpatient setting. Snipelisky, D., Burton, MC.[2014]

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) was integrated into the rehabilitation of a middle-aged female patient after spinal surgery, comprising 32% of her therapy sessions, and aimed to enhance her engagement in therapeutic activities.

While the study noted improvements in sitting tolerance and functional independence measures, it could not definitively conclude the efficacy of AAT due to simultaneous therapies, highlighting the need for more rigorous research in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of animal-assisted therapy in combination with physical therapy in an inpatient rehabilitation facility: A case report. Denzer-Weiler, C., Hreha, K.[2018]

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) can significantly enhance rehabilitation outcomes by engaging and motivating patients, but it requires certified and trained therapy teams to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Collaboration between AAT therapists and other clinicians is essential for maximizing treatment opportunities and achieving specific rehabilitation goals, highlighting the need for standardized practices in this emerging field.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Collaboration in Animal-Assisted Activities and Animal-Assisted Therapy. Decina, E., Evangelista, B., Harantschuk, A.[2022]

Canine-assisted occupational therapy can enhance emotional safety and rapport between children on the autism spectrum and their therapists, as reported by parents in a study involving 10 participants.

However, the presence of a therapy dog alone is not enough to ensure engagement; the therapist's skills and the structure of goal-directed therapy are crucial for effective outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Canine-assisted occupational therapy for children on the autism spectrum: Parents' perspectives. Hill, JR., Ziviani, J., Driscoll, C.[2021]

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a collaborative approach that integrates various health disciplines to enhance human health through interactions with qualified therapy animals, particularly dogs.

In Taiwan, the development of canine AAT has been documented, highlighting its benefits and outcomes, while also addressing practical challenges and suggesting improvements for future services and research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Lassie's magic: animal-assisted therapy in Taiwan]. Yeh, ML.[2009]

Programs where incarcerated individuals train shelter dogs as therapy animals for Veterans with PTSD are emerging as a response to inadequate treatment options for these Veterans, highlighting the potential of animal therapy in mental health care.

There is a need for regulation and standardized training methods in these programs to ensure that Veterans receive well-trained service dogs, as the current lack of oversight leads to inconsistencies in the quality of support provided.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Helping War Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Incarcerated Individuals' Role in Therapeutic Animal Programs. Furst, G.[2018]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using wellness recovery action plan and sensory-based intervention: a case example. [2013]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Measuring treatment outcome and client satisfaction among children and families. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient-based outcome assessment instruments in acupuncture research. [2019]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Continuing day treatment programs promote recovery in schizophrenia: a case-based study. [2021]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Conceptualizing patient-centered care for substance use disorder treatment: findings from a systematic scoping review. [2023]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Animal-Assisted Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Lessons from "Case Reports" in Media Stories. [2019]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of animal-assisted therapy on wounded warriors in an Occupational Therapy Life Skills program. [2012]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Canine-assisted therapy in the inpatient setting. [2014]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of animal-assisted therapy in combination with physical therapy in an inpatient rehabilitation facility: A case report. [2018]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Collaboration in Animal-Assisted Activities and Animal-Assisted Therapy. [2022]

11. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Canine-assisted occupational therapy for children on the autism spectrum: Parents' perspectives. [2021]

12. China (Republic : 1949- ) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Lassie's magic: animal-assisted therapy in Taiwan]. [2009]

13. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Helping War Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Incarcerated Individuals' Role in Therapeutic Animal Programs. [2018]