Pets significantly reduce anxiety and depression in women, especially those with childhood trauma

In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open , researchers determine whether a close bond with a pet reduces the risk of depression and anxiety, particularly among women who have experienced childhood abuse. Study: Pet Attachment and Anxiety and Depression in Middle-Aged and Older Women. Image Credit: PeopleImages.

com / Yuri A / Shutterstock.com Can pets improve depression and anxiety? Depression and anxiety are prevalent among women, with 21.8% of midlife and older women in the United States experiencing depressive symptoms in the past two weeks as compared to 15% of men.

Moreover, anxiety symptoms are reported by 19% of women and 11.9% of men. Modifiable social, behavioral, and health determinants, including gender, influence the burden of psychological disorders.

Previous studies on depression and anxiety among pet owners show mixed results due to methodological issues. Thus, further research is needed to clarify the protective role of pet attachment against depression and anxiety, particularly among high-risk subpopulations, as well as address methodological issues in previous studies. About the study In 2013, 688 participants from the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS2) were invited to join the Mind Body Study (MBS) to examine how psychosocial factors affect cancer progression biomarkers.

As compared to NHS2, MBS participants were more likely to be on psychotropic medications but less likely to have hypertension and diabetes. The study protocol was accepted by the insti.