Psychiatric disorders of the human-animal bond: Psychopathologies of the affection towards companion animals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24215/2422572Xe094Keywords:
companion animals, mental disorders, psychopathology, mental health, human-animal bondAbstract
The human-animal bond includes affectionate components and implies wellbeing for both (relationship) participants. This has recently received support from the scientific community, which highlights several secondary benefits for human health. However, there persists informally in the socio-culture a tendency to pathologize the emotional closeness with companion animals. Based on formal psychiatric categories and academic developments, we identify human mental disorders appeared in the relationship with animals. These include: 1. Animal hoarding disorder, 2. Persistent complex bereavement disorder due to the loss of animals, 3. Animal separation anxiety disorder, 4. Sexual attraction towardsanimals disorder. In none of these the excess of affection accounts for their development, on the contrary, these depend rather on bonding characteristics. We highlight the need of scientific research in psychiatry on the human-animal bond and propose interdisciplinary approach strategies.
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