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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.

dogs
Pets could help mental health treatment. (WBZ-TV)

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.

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