![]() | Dolphins Treat Depression |
![]() Throughout history, animals have been used by man for transportation, to carry supplies, and to help with farming. Here is another job to add to the list: psychologist! New research shows that playing with dolphins can significantly reduce moderate depression in people.
Patients who participated in the Dolphin Group showed significantly
It is not known how the dolphin-human interaction works to relieve depression. Although relaxing in a natural setting such as the beaches of Honduras may help some people, playing with dolphins appears to give an additional boost to relieving the symptoms of depression. The researchers suggest that positive emotions brought about by interacting with the dolphins may be responsible for the benefits of dolphin therapy. |
Reference: Antonioli, C. and Reveley, M.A., Randomized controlled trial of animal facilitated therapy with dolphins in the treatment of depression, British Medical Journal, 331:1231-1234, 2005. |
BACK TO: | Neuroscience In the News | Table of Contents |
![]() Send E-mail |
![]() Fill out survey |
![]() Get Newsletter |
![]() Search Pages |