ADHD and assistance dogs can provide valuable support for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies have shown that assistance dogs in particular can improve the symptoms of ADHD by assisting with treatment and helping to manage the daily difficulties associated with the condition.
If you have ADHD and are thinking about getting a dog, or just want to learn more about the benefits of having a pet, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will explore reasons why dogs can positively impact the mental health of a person affected by ADHD!
Which assistance dogs can help you with ADHD?
Assistance dogs can be classified according to the type of disability they assist with. In addition to guide dogs for the blind, signal dogs for the deaf and assistance dogs for people with other physical disabilities, there are also dogs that specialize in psychiatric assistance and emotional support for their owners.
Psychiatric assistance dogs:
A psychiatric assistance dog is trained and completes a final test to reach the assistance dog standard. Only then can it support a person with mental health difficulties. There are specialized associations that train dogs to take on tasks related to neuropsychiatric challenges, including helping people with ADHD manage the condition.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA):
Emotional Support Animals (ESA), also known as “therapy dogs”, can provide therapeutic support for a person experiencing emotional challenges or mental discomfort and can therefore assist in the treatment of ADHD. These pets can provide companionship and emotional support.
Typically, ESA pets are not trained to the same extent as psychiatric assistance dogs and are therefore not recognized by special regulations in Germany. This means that they do not have the same opportunities as assistance dogs, such as unrestricted access to public transportation, including airplanes, stores and restaurants.
In Germany, however, ESAs are considered pets and must be registered with the relevant authorities, just like any other dog. The owner must also provide a medical certificate confirming that the animal is necessary for their emotional well-being. The access of an ESA pet to all areas of its owner’s everyday life is therefore at the discretion of the respective operator or facility.
Nevertheless, ESAs can be a valuable resource for ADHD sufferers, and we will now discuss the reasons why owning an assistance dog or ESA dog can help people with ADHD!
#1 Routine and discipline with ADHD
Routines offer both you and your dog security and predictability. Dogs are able to recognize routines because they have a good sense of time and also need habits. Developing a series of daily actions that are repeated at certain times can help both you and your dog. Once your pet understands the daily habits, they will remind you when it’s time to feed or walk them!
#2 Physical movement
It is often difficult to find the time and inclination for physical exercise, but it is known to be important for everyone as it can improve attention, concentration and mood. If you have ADHD, there are ways that can help you not put off exercise. Owning a dog can therefore be an additional incentive to integrate physical activity into your everyday life and enjoy it at the same time.
#3 Emotional support and relaxation
It can be difficult for people with ADHD to control intense emotions. Assistance dogs in particular can provide emotional support through their specific training by reducing anxiety, depression, stress or other emotions and helping to relax. They are great companions during adult ADHD treatment as they can:
- Society and protection: Dogs are social animals that enjoy being with people. They can provide companionship for people with ADHD who feel lonely or isolated.
- Security and protection: For those who feel vulnerable or anxious, dogs can provide a sense of security and protection, both through the affection they show their owners and through their protective instincts.
- Responsibility: Caring for a dog creates a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, aspects that can be useful for people struggling with anxiety or depression.
- Affection and physical contact: Dogs unconditionally love the people closest to them, and this can provide great comfort, especially for people going through a difficult time. Physical contact with a dog, such as petting or cuddling, can release oxytocin, a hormone that has calming and stress-reducing effects.
#4 Social skills and relationships
Dogs can help people with ADHD develop their social skills, such as communication and cooperation. Caring for a dog often requires interactions with other people, from veterinarians to other dog owners, who are regularly encountered during daily walks. In addition, taking your pet with you to social activities, such as meeting up with friends, can provide emotional security and alleviate social anxiety.
A useful tip may be to make a list of dog-friendly places in your area, such as parks or open spaces, including restaurants or cafes where other people also spend time with their dogs. This will make it easier for you to relax and feel comfortable at the same time. What’s more, being together is a great conversation starter!
#5 Concentration and attention
It’s no secret that caring for a dog requires constant attention and if you didn’t know it, your pet will certainly remind you and help you improve in this area!
A dog can actually help improve concentration and attention levels in people with ADHD. The need to take care of your pet, going for a walk or playing interactive games and training him with new tricks and commands are activities that require extra focus and attention. This can help people with ADHD to further develop their ability to concentrate and improve their planning and time management skills.
#6 Sensory stimulation and regulation
Dogs can provide sensory benefits and a sense of calm for people with ADHD, especially those with sensory processing disorders.
Actions such as stroking their fur, cuddling or playing with them can improve ADHD symptoms associated with sensory conditions, such as hyper- and hypersensitivity and sensory overload. Interacting with a dog can therefore provide positive sensory stimulation, which can help people with ADHD in treatment to regulate their nervous system and improve their sensory perception ability.
#7 A self-confidence boost for people with ADHD
Finally, caring for a dog can help improve the confidence and self-esteem of people with ADHD. Success in caring for one’s pet, whether it’s an assistance dog or an ESA, can provide a sense of fulfillment and encourage people with ADHD to pursue further goals.
If you are thinking about getting a dog to help you with ADHD, it is important to consult professionals who can help you determine if a dog is the right choice for you and give you advice on how to choose the right dog. Should you be looking for other diagnosis and/or treatment options, GAM Medical can help you!
GAM Medical is an online clinic that specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD and the treatment of ADHD in adults.
The clinic’s professionals specializing in ADHD can help you with therapeutic programs for ADHD that are completely online, and GAM Medical also offers courses to provide effective tools and targeted strategies for positive and rewarding ADHD management.
.Discover all ADHD treatments from GAM Medical, the specialized center for ADHD in adults!
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