 |
The World's Largest Coalition of Nontheists and Nontheist Communities!
Swimming with dolphins can alleviate depression
Swimming with dolphins is an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression, say researchers in this week's BMJ.
Their findings support the theory of biophilia, which shows how human health and wellbeing are dependent on our relationships with the natural environment.
The study was carried out in Honduras and involved 30 patients diagnosed with mild or moderate depression. Half were assigned to the experimental group and half to the control group.
Over a two-week period, participants in the experimental group swam and snorkelled in the water with dolphins for one hour a day. Participants in the control group were assigned to the same water activities, but in the absence of dolphins, to control for the influence of water and the natural setting.
All participants discontinued antidepressant drugs or psychotherapy at least four weeks before entering the study, and were not allowed to take drugs during the study. Depression scores were measured before the study and at the end of treatment.
Although some participants dropped out of the study, the average severity of the depressive symptoms was more reduced in the experimental group than in the control group.
Animal facilitated therapy with dolphins is more effective than water therapy in treating people with mild to moderate depression, say the authors. Despite some study limitations, the effects exerted by the animals were significantly greater than those of just the natural setting.
The echolocation system, the aesthetic value, and the emotions raised by the interaction with dolphins may explain the mammals' healing properties, they suggest.
Three months after the study, participants in both groups also reported lasting improvement and did not require treatment. This suggests that in patients with mild or moderate depression, using drugs or conventional psychotherapy may not be necessary when biophilic treatment with animals is used, they conclude.
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2005/11/24/swimming_with_dolphi...
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on -
Hey Steph! As an animal lover I certainly believe that animals can improve one's mental health. About two years ago I went swimming with dolphins and found it to be an incredible experience. For me getting to touch the dolphins was especially exciting because I had no idea what they looked like before I was able to touch them. Having said all of that, I'm not in favor of keeping wild animals captive soely for our enjoyment--or even our health benefits. In my opinion, the dolphins should be allowed to swim free in the ocean as nature intended.
-
-
Permalink Reply by Steph S. on -
Yeah I remember saying that you swam with dolphins before so I thought of that when I posted this study. I never swam with dolphins myself.
Well I actually enjoy visiting zoos.
That subject is debatable and I will leave it at that. -
-
Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on
-
Hey Steph! I enjoy visiting zoos and I enjoyed Seaworld too. I have gotten things out of visiting zoos and Seaworld that wouldn't matter to sighted people. So, I have a great understanding of the value of allowing people to see wild animals. I also recognize that not all animals--especially injured ones or ones born in captivity--are suitable for living in the wild. So, I'm not totally against zoos. I should have been more clear. But I do think we need to be careful about the number of animals kept, how they are obtained and what their living conditions are like. I do believe that too many animals held in captivity are not given accommodations that closely enough replicate the lives they would live in the wild. When I see lions in small cages it makes me sad.
-
CONNECT WITH ATHEIST NEXUS
Latest Activity
- Top News
- Everything
jay H commented on Debra Stevenson's blog post Salvation Army and religious charities discriminating
Ruth Anthony-Gardner replied to Ruth Anthony-Gardner's discussion Rossby waves - what happens in the Arctic doesn't stay in the Arctic in the group Climate Concerns
Steph S. replied to Ruth Anthony-Gardner's discussion New Godless congregations in the group The Church of Atheism
 |
 |
 |
 |
© 2013 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Richard Haynes.
