Therapy Dogs for Situational Anxiety
Palo Alto (17 mi)Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Travel: May be covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: N/A
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Michigan
No Placebo Group
Approved in 1 jurisdiction
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?Children undergoing dental restorative or surgical procedures require injection of local anesthetic. The injection procedure is often the most anxiety-producing stimulus for children during dental care, when children demonstrate the highest level of emotional distress. Several studies have investigated various interventions, such as distraction, hypnosis, and cognitive behavioral therapy to ease this stress. Animal-assisted therapy (e.g. the presence of a therapy dog) may be a promising strategy for managing anxiety in young dental patients. However, no studies have explored the potential benefits of using therapy dogs specifically during the administration of local anesthesia in pediatric dental patients. The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of therapy dogs on pediatric dental patients during local anesthesia administration.
What safety data exists for therapy dogs in treating anxiety?Existing safety data for therapy dogs in treating anxiety includes assessments of potential risks to both humans and therapy dogs in clinical settings, such as dental clinics. Studies have identified hazards and evaluated risks to health and safety for both patients and therapy dogs. These evaluations are crucial for ensuring safe implementation of therapy dog programs in various healthcare environments.12456
Is Therapy Dog a promising treatment for anxiety?Yes, Therapy Dog is a promising treatment for anxiety. Studies show that therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety in different settings, like hospitals and dental clinics, by providing comfort and support to patients.12458
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?The trial protocol does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications.
What data supports the idea that Therapy Dogs for Situational Anxiety is an effective treatment?The available research shows that therapy dogs can effectively reduce anxiety in various settings. For example, studies have found that animal-assisted therapy helps lower anxiety levels in hospitalized psychiatric patients and those in emergency departments. Additionally, therapy dogs have been shown to decrease anxiety in children and adolescents during dental care. These findings suggest that therapy dogs can be a helpful treatment for situational anxiety, providing benefits similar to or even better than other treatments.12367
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for children who experience anxiety or behavioral issues when facing dental procedures that require local anesthesia. It's not specified who can't participate, so it's important to check with the study organizers for any exclusion criteria.Inclusion Criteria
I am between 4 and 12 years old.
My child is generally healthy without serious health issues.
Exclusion Criteria
My child is allergic to dogs or animal dander.
Treatment Details
The trial is testing if having a therapy dog present can help reduce anxiety and improve behavior in kids during the administration of local anesthesia in dental settings compared to standard behavior guidance methods.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Therapy dog presenceExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Therapy dog present during local anesthesia administration
Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention
Standard-of-care basic behavior guidance during local anesthesia
Find a clinic near you
Research locations nearbySelect from list below to view details:
University of Michigan School of Dentistry Children's ClinicAnn Arbor, MI
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Who is running the clinical trial?
University of MichiganLead Sponsor
References
The effects of animal-assisted therapy on anxiety ratings of hospitalized psychiatric patients. [2020]Animal-assisted therapy involves interaction between patients and a trained animal, along with its human owner or handler, with the aim of facilitating patients' progress toward therapeutic goals. This study examined whether a session of animal-assisted therapy reduced the anxiety levels of hospitalized psychiatric patients and whether any differences in reductions in anxiety were associated with patients' diagnoses.
Controlled clinical trial of canine therapy versus usual care to reduce patient anxiety in the emergency department. [2020]Test if therapy dogs reduce anxiety in emergency department (ED) patients.
[Effects of an animal-assisted intervention on psychiatric in-patient addiction treatment - a pilot study]. [2022]Animal-assisted therapies, especially with therapy dogs, are getting increasingly popular in inpatient psychiatric treatment. In the present pilot study, we examined how chronic and comorbid patients in psychiatric addiction treatment assess this form of therapeutic support.
Dog-assisted therapy in the dental clinic: Part A-Hazards and assessment of potential risks to the health and safety of humans. [2023]Dog-assisted therapy in the dental clinic may be an attractive alternative to sedation for anxious patients. Including a dental therapy dog in a clinical setting introduces new hazards and potential risks to health and safety for both humans and animal.
Dog-assisted therapy in the dental clinic. Part B. Hazards and assessment of potential risks to the health and safety of the dental therapy dog. [2023]A dental therapy dog may help anxious patients in the dental clinic overcome their fear and facilitate the completion of necessary dental care. Dental clinic activities are associated with hazards that may pose potential risks to the health and safety of the dental therapy dog.
Using Pet Therapy to Decrease Patients' Anxiety on Two Diverse Inpatient Units. [2023]The physical benefits for patients who spend time with a therapy dog have been reported, including decreased anxiety. Pet therapy has decreased anxiety in various hospitalized patient populations. The human-animal bond is the foundation for the positive interaction therapy dogs create.
Does use of animal therapy during dental care help to reduce anxiety in children and adolescents? A systematic review. [2023]Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is considered a useful technique to reduce anxiety in children and adolescents in medical settings.
Intraoral clinical examinations of pediatric patients with anticipatory anxiety and situational fear facilitated by therapy dog assistance: A pilot RCT. [2023]To evaluate whether the presence of a certified therapy dog specially trained for working in a dental setting may facilitate dental care of anxious pediatric patients.