Objective: Suicidality and depression are disproportionately prevalent among veterinarians. Researchers for this study sought to explore the lived experiences of veterinarians in order to better identify the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. Method: Using a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach, small animal veterinarians in the greater Seattle area were interviewed and provided their respective occupational experiences as they related to depression, suicidality, and coping. Results: Analysis of the interviews revealed attachment loss and trauma to be primary factors contributing to veterinary depression and suicidality. Conclusions: These findings provide the basis for future research and traumainformed interventions to reduce distress and suicidality in this population.
Clinical Impact StatementVeterinarians are a unique, vulnerable, and underserved population. Their mental health experiences include traumatic occupational events that require attention. There exists an opportunity to deploy trauma-informed interventions to decrease distress, depression, and instances of death by suicide. Because the workplace stress is unlikely to change, psychologists are well situated to provide critical support to address role strain, significant mental health concerns, and instillation of strategies for processing and coping with occupational trauma.
Ample research has examind the impact of autism for children and families, but less has addressed the effects of this condition for adults. The literature indicates that adults on the autism spectrum suffer from depression and have a heightened risk of suicidal ideation because of their social skills deficits [1]. Research also shows that individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) can benefit from participating in support groups. In addition, research indicates that use of the term "neurodiversity" rather than other diagnostic labels encourages increased self-esteem to persons on the autism spectrum. This grounded theory study sought to understand the belief of clinicians with regard to the incorporation of the concept of neurodiversity in support groups for adults with HFA [2].
Animal interventions are becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder symptomology (ASD). However, there is a lack of information regarding which animal and animal-specific factors provide the most advantageous therapeutic benefits to effectively address ASD symptoms. This study examined the observations, and values of practitioners who provide therapeutic interventions to individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using farm animals. The purpose was to gather information regarding impressions of species-specific factors observed to be the most effective for treating ASD symptomology. It is hoped that the observations reported by providers might help determine focused recommendation to increase effectiveness of treatment, helping to fill the increasing knowledge we are accruing on animal assisted interventions and ASD. Results of this study give insight into specific animal species factors that contribute to ASD symptomology reduction.
Given the rise of persons diagnosed with autism, this paper is to highlight psychopharmacueticals that are often used in the treatment of autism symptomology. I begin with a brief summary of autism followed by a summation of biological differences. A discussion of pharmaceuticals often used to alleviate the symptoms associated with autism is also discussed. Lastly, a brief conclusory statement is provided.
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