Cultivating mental health on the farm

Researchers writing in the open access journal Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health have noted the benefits of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) with farm animals for mental disorders.

The researchers studied 90 patients with schizophrenia, affective disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders who spent 12 weeks working with farm animals for three hours twice a week. The results suggested that the therapy had some positive effect on the quality of life of patients with long-lasting psychiatric symptoms.

The use of farms in promoting mental and physical health is increasing in Europe and the USA. Historically, the approach was associated with hospitals, psychiatric departments and other health institutions but today, most Green care projects involve community gardens, city farms, allotment gardens and farms.