Randomized controlled study on the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy on depression, anxiety, and illness perception in institutionalized elderly.

Aim: The aim of this study was to verify dog-assisted therapy's effectiveness on depression and anxiety in institutionalized elderly. Patients' illness perception was examined to identify core beliefs regarding mood, personal control, and illness coherence because they can affect treatment compliance. Subjective perception of pain, social interaction, and setting-bound observable variables were also studied.