Citizens for Pets in Condos

Why Medication is NOT the Only Answer to Treating Mental Illness

According to an article in the June 2006 Natural Awakenings magazine, research suggests that
"...interaction with animals can be as effective or even more than drugs or conventional psychotherapy
in treating mild to moderate depression."

"All medicines have benefits and risks. There may be other options."*

picture courtesy of Woof Patrol

1) Mental illness is one of the most difficult illnesses to treat because the medications have to be pin-point accurate according to the patient's blood levels.  For example, lithium carbonate blood levels need to be kept within a safe range. High levels can cause serious
side effects, even death; low levels can cause symptoms of mania or depression.

There is no need to measure a correct dose of cat purrs or a dog licking your face!

2) Medications often have the directive:  "avoid driving a car or using other dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you."

Pets don't affect how you drive or use machinery (assuming they are properly restrained in a car!)

3) If you are on more than one medication, the interaction can affect the all-important blood levels of psychoactive drugs.

Companion animals do not interfere with blood levels of drugs!

4) Some medications for depression result in "sexual side effects."

You get unconditional LOVE from companion animals - a real deep connection that can be more fulfilling than physical sex!

References:

http://bipolar.about.com/od/disability/a/servicedogs.htm