Portuguese scientists believe that pets can cure depression. According to the data received, the presence of a fluffy friend alleviates depressive symptoms in just 12 weeks among those who do not respond to treatment, including psychotherapy and antidepressants.

One of the reasons that can explain the results is that pets counteract one of the main symptoms of depression - anhedonia. Anhdonia is expressed in the inability to experience pleasure from actions that are usually pleasant and cause joy, for example, hobbies, physical exercises or social interactions with other people. Experts add that dogs, in particular, can alleviate depression, forcing people to be physically active and encouraging them to become participants in new social situations.

During the tests, the researchers analyzed 33 people with depression who had not previously responded to treatment. Previous attempts to treat participants lasted from 9 to 15 months and included regular sessions of psychotherapy along with at least two courses of antidepressants. Volunteers, who had no pets before the experiment, got dogs or cats. Over the next 12 weeks, participants continued to attend psychotherapy sessions and take medicine.

Depressive symptoms were evaluated throughout the study - the scientists asked participants about their mood, quality of sleep, sexual life and the presence of suicidal thoughts. It was found that caring for a pet allowed to significantly reduce the severity of depressive symptoms after 8 weeks. After 12 weeks, people who had four-legged pets reported that they became more cheerful and less affected by depression.

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