Dogs Can Help Lessen the Risk of Schizophrenia
Kody Green’s life took a turn for the worse during his freshman year of college when he started experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. These symptoms eventually led him to drug abuse and landed him in prison. At the age of 21, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a brain disorder that affects one’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
While medication and other treatments helped control some of Green’s symptoms, his hallucinations persisted. However, four years later, a different kind of help arrived, in the form of a furry companion with four paws and a wagging tail. Luna, a Jack Russell terrier mix, became Green’s saving grace, providing the confidence and support he needed to live a successful and functional life alongside his other treatments for schizophrenia.
Luna’s role in Green’s life is invaluable. She helps him identify visual hallucinations; if he commands Luna to “greet” and she doesn’t respond, it indicates that what he is seeing isn’t real. Luna also prevents Green from harming himself during auditory hallucinations. By jumping on his lap and placing her head against his, Luna distracts him and brings him back to the present moment, preventing self-harm.
The impact of psychiatric service dogs on individuals with schizophrenia cannot be overstated. Dogs have been assisting people with various disabilities for centuries, providing a sense of independence, safety, peace of mind, and confidence.