Psychiatric assistance dog: Difference between revisions
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A '''Psychiatric service dog''' is a specific type of [[service dog]] trained to assist their handler with a psychiatric [[disability]]. This includes, but is not limited to, [[Major Depressive Disorder]], [[Bipolar Disorder]], [[Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]], [[Autism]], [[Anxiety Disorder]]s, and [[Schizophrenia]]. |
A '''Psychiatric service dog''' is a specific type of [[service dog]] trained to assist their handler with a psychiatric [[disability]]. This includes, but is not limited to, [[Major Depressive Disorder]], [[Bipolar Disorder]], [[Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]], [[Autism]], [[Anxiety Disorder]]s, and [[Schizophrenia]]. |
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Like all [[assistance dog]]s, a psychiatric service dog is individually trained to do work or perform tasks particular to their handler's disability. Such tasks are: |
Like all [[assistance dog]]s, a psychiatric service dog is individually trained to do work or perform tasks particular to their handler's disability. Such work or tasks include but are not limited to: |
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* Reminding the handler to take medication at certain times of the day |
* Reminding the handler to take medication at certain times of the day |
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* Waking the handler if they sleep through alarms or otherwise cannot get themselves out of bed |
* Waking the handler if they sleep through alarms or otherwise cannot get themselves out of bed |
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* Alerting to incipient episodes such as significant mood shifts, panic attacks, or dissociative episodes |
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* Responding to an episode in a manner that is adaptive for the handler |
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* Assisting a handler with environmental assessment (i.e., reality-testing for feelings of fear and paranoia) |
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* Assisting a handler with hallucination discernment or environmental assessment (i.e., reality-testing for feelings of fear and [[paranoia]]) |
* Assisting a handler with hallucination discernment or environmental assessment (i.e., reality-testing for feelings of fear and [[paranoia]]) |
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* Assisting a handler with Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia to safely leave her home or to lead her out of a triggering situation. |
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* Interrupting repetitive or self-injurious behaviors |
* Interrupting repetitive or self-injurious behaviors |
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* Carrying identification in case of |
* Carrying identification in case of dissociative episodes or fugue states |
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* Leading a handler out of a crowd during a panic attack, fugue state, or dissociative episode |
* Leading a handler out of a crowd during a panic attack, fugue state, or dissociative episode |
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* Aiding with mobility when the handler is dizzy from medication or has psychosomatic (physical) symptoms |
* Aiding with mobility when the handler is dizzy from medication or has psychosomatic (physical) symptoms |
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* Providing exclusive focus and tactile stimulation when a handler requires it in order to mitigate symptoms |
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* Aiding the handler in staying focused and calm |
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Psychiatric service dogs may be of any breed or size suited for public work. Many are trained by the person who will become the dog's handler (with or without the help of a professional trainer). |
Psychiatric service dogs may be of any breed or size suited for public work. Many are trained by the person who will become the dog's handler (with or without the help of a professional trainer). Assistance dog organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for dogs to help individuals with psychiatric disabilities. |
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In the [[United States]], the [[Americans with Disabilities Act]] defines a disability as a "mental or physical condition which substantially limits a major life activity," and therefore allows handlers of psychiatric service dogs the same rights and protections afforded to those with other types of [[assistance dog]]s. Some individual state laws also provide additional guidelines or protection. |
In the [[United States]], the [[Americans with Disabilities Act]] defines a disability as a "mental or physical condition which substantially limits a major life activity," and therefore allows handlers of psychiatric service dogs the same rights and protections afforded to those with other types of [[assistance dog]]s. Some individual state laws also provide additional guidelines or protection. |
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Revision as of 19:45, 31 January 2007
A Psychiatric service dog is a specific type of service dog trained to assist their handler with a psychiatric disability. This includes, but is not limited to, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Autism, Anxiety Disorders, and Schizophrenia.
Like all assistance dogs, a psychiatric service dog is individually trained to do work or perform tasks particular to their handler's disability. Such work or tasks include but are not limited to:
- Reminding the handler to take medication at certain times of the day
- Waking the handler if they sleep through alarms or otherwise cannot get themselves out of bed
- Alerting to incipient episodes such as significant mood shifts, panic attacks, or dissociative episodes
- Responding to an episode in a manner that is adaptive for the handler
- Assisting a handler with environmental assessment (i.e., reality-testing for feelings of fear and paranoia)
- Assisting a handler with hallucination discernment or environmental assessment (i.e., reality-testing for feelings of fear and paranoia)
- Assisting a handler with Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia to safely leave her home or to lead her out of a triggering situation.
- Interrupting repetitive or self-injurious behaviors
- Carrying identification in case of dissociative episodes or fugue states
- Leading a handler out of a crowd during a panic attack, fugue state, or dissociative episode
- Aiding with mobility when the handler is dizzy from medication or has psychosomatic (physical) symptoms
- Providing exclusive focus and tactile stimulation when a handler requires it in order to mitigate symptoms
Psychiatric service dogs may be of any breed or size suited for public work. Many are trained by the person who will become the dog's handler (with or without the help of a professional trainer). Assistance dog organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for dogs to help individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act defines a disability as a "mental or physical condition which substantially limits a major life activity," and therefore allows handlers of psychiatric service dogs the same rights and protections afforded to those with other types of assistance dogs. Some individual state laws also provide additional guidelines or protection.