Dog Assisted Therapy: Comparing Duration Treatments for Patients with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH)

Status

Completed

Conditions

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Treatments

Behavioral: Dog assisted therapy - animal interventions

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT06763614

DAT-VH-2023

Details and patient eligibility

About

The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of a shorter version program of Dog Assisted Therapy (DAT) (8 sessions) compared to a longer version (16 sessions) for children and adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FASD). We evaluated the impact of DAT on social skills, internalizing and externalizing problems, quality of life, severity of the disorder and emotional well-being of parents. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in a cohort of 55 patients with FASD.

Full description

FASD can be classified into three subtypes. FAS is identified by (1) facial abnormalities, (2) growth deficits, abnormal brain development, or irregularities in neurophysiology, and (3) neurobehavioral issues. Partial Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) shares similarities but presents with fewer physical characteristics, while Alcohol-Related Neurobehavioral Disorder (ARND) solely exhibits neurobehavioral symptoms without facial anomalies.

Previous research has highlighted the effectiveness of psychological intervention programs focused on emotional regulation for individuals with FASD. Similarly, studies have emphasized the benefits of interventions targeting social skills. These interventions have been shown to result in reductions in externalizing behaviors, with social skills training specifically correlating with improvements in social competence and a decrease in problematic behaviors Recently a new form of behavioral therapy has been gaining popularity in improving the physical and mental health of young adults, known as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). Animal Assisted Therapy lays its foundation in human attachment theory and social cognitive theory where it is argued that animals can be potentially viewed as a transitional attachment object and thus aid to improve psychosocial functioning.

Enrollment

55 patients

Sex

All

Ages

6 to 18 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:all participants needed to have stable doses of medication for at least two months before the study and agree not to seek out any other psychiatric or psychological treatment during the study.

Exclusion Criteria:Patients who were not behaviorally stable, presented agressive behavior or required more intensive treatment (hospitalization or day hospital) were excluded.