Pets Can Play A Big Role In Mental Health Treatment
BOSTON (CBS) -- Pets might play a more important role in mental health than previously thought.
Researchers interviewed people with serious mental disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and discovered a significant number considered their pets to be as vital to their social network as close family members and social workers.
The patients said pets helped distract them from disturbing thoughts, like suicide, and gave them a sense of order, responsibility, security and provided unconditional acceptance and support.