This study is a randomized controlled trial (comparing "occupational activities" versus "dog-assisted therapy" arms) investigating the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy with dogs in small groups of participants with depression. Patients in the "dog-assisted therapy" arm will participate in two group sessions (groups of 3 to 7 participants) of canine-assisted therapy, supervised by a healthcare professional certified in animal-assisted therapy alongside a psychiatric caregiver, for 30 minutes each week over 6 weeks. Patients in the "occupational activities" arm will participate in two group sessions (groups of 3 to 7 participants) of occupational activities, supervised by a healthcare professional experienced in group occupational activities alongside a psychiatric caregiver, for 30 minutes each week over 6 weeks.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
58
Dog-assisted therapy consists of the search for positive interactions resulting from the intentional human-animal relationship in the educational, therapeutic or social fields, practices as they are conducted in educational and medico-social institutions for example.
Occupational activities consist of origami, relaxation, sports or board games sessions.
Change in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score from baseline to 6 weeks.
The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) is a validated scale for depression assessment, its score is rated between 0 and 52 and a higher score means a more depressed state
Time frame: Baseline and week 6
Evolution of the 17-item Hamilton scale score between 0 and 3 weeks.
The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) is a validated scale for depression assessment, its score is rated between 0 and 52 and a higher score means a more depressed state
Time frame: Baseline and week 3
Evolution of the quality of life scale score (WHOQOL-BREF) at 3 and 6 weeks, compared to the initial score at W0.
The World Health Organization Quality Of Life (WHOQOL) WHOQOL-BREF scale is a validated scale for the measurement of quality of life, its score is rated between 0 and 100 and a higher score means better quality of life
Time frame: Baseline and weeks 3 and 6
Evaluation of the number of adverse events and serious adverse events related to the therapy under study.
The number of AEs will be used to assess the safety of the therapy.
Time frame: From baseline up to 6 weeks
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