Animal-assisted Intervention in Adolescents Admitted to Acute Psychiatric Units.

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

178 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2020-02-12

Study Completion Date

2022-01-07

Brief Summary

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The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of AAT intervention in adolescents admitted to the Acute Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, regardless of diagnosis, in terms of improving self-efficacy and reducing anxiety symptoms. To assess professional opinions on the effects of intervention on participants, and to determine participant satisfaction. These objectives were accomplished through a multicenter, non-randomized, open-label, two-arm controlled study of AAT for adolescents with mental disorders.

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Detailed Description

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The rationale of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Animal Assisted Therapy (with therapy dogs) in adolescents admitted to the Acute Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit and regardless of diagnosis. The investigators conducted a multicenter, non-randomized, controlled, open-label, two-arm clinical trial in three hospitals. A total of 178 adolescents admitted to the Acute Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit were included in the study. Participants from the three hospitals were assigned to Experimental Group (n=114) and participants from one hospital were assigned to Control Group (n=64). Both the experimental group and the control group carried out a total of two one-hour group sessions at the hospitals' own facilities, on a weekly basis for two consecutive weeks; with the additional assistance of the therapy dog in the Experimental group. The investigators evaluated changes on self-efficacy and anxiety symptoms at pre-treatment and post-treatment; and they assessed professional opinions on the effects of intervention on participants at post-treatment, and determined participant satisfaction at post-treatment.

Conditions

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Mental Health Issue

Study Design

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Allocation Method

NON_RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

SEQUENTIAL

Multicenter, non-randomized, controlled, open-label, two-arm clinical trial

Primary Study Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Experimental Group (EG)

The experimental group carried out a total of two one-hour group sessions at the three hospitals' own facilities, on a weekly basis for two consecutive weeks. The groups were formed by 8-10 participants. Sessions included the participation of one certified therapy dog, one technician specialized in AAT, an occupational therapist and a psychologist. There was a referring psychiatrist for the project at each center. Participants received their usual pharmacological treatment.

Intervention (with the additional assistance of the therapy dog): Session 1, self-efficacy (executive functions, cause-effect thinking). Session 2, emotional self-regulation and frustration tolerance.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

A structured AAT program and pharmacological treatment in Experimental group. The same structured program without therapy dog and pharmacological treatment in Control group.

Control Group (CG)

The control group carried out a total of two one-hour group sessions at the hospital's own facility, on a weekly basis for two consecutive weeks. The groups were formed by 8-10 participants. Sessions included the participation of an occupational therapist and a psychologist. There was a referring psychiatrist for the project. Participants received their usual pharmacological treatment.

Intervention (same sessions without the therapy dog): Session 1, self-efficacy (executive functions, cause-effect thinking). Session 2, emotional self-regulation and frustration tolerance.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

A structured AAT program and pharmacological treatment in Experimental group. The same structured program without therapy dog and pharmacological treatment in Control group.

Interventions

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Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)

A structured AAT program and pharmacological treatment in Experimental group. The same structured program without therapy dog and pharmacological treatment in Control group.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Other Intervention Names

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Dog assisted Therapy

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Be between 13 and 17 years of age.
* Willing to participate in the study on a voluntary basis.
* Delivery of the information sheet and signature of the informed consent (participant and legal guardian).
* Attendance at both group sessions from the intervention.

Exclusion Criteria

* If in the initial interview they declared having allergy or fear of dogs.
* History of aggression towards animals.
* Re-admissions who had already participated in the study.
* If, when informed, the patient and/or his/her legal guardian did not wish to participate in the study.

Minimum Eligible Age

13 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

17 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No