Hulphond als geslaagde contextuele interventie voor herstel

We describe a patient who reached recovery, after purchasing a dog and training it into an assistance dog. The patient has a long lasting (over 30 years) history in mental health care and was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. All these years the patient did not reach symptomatic improvement or personal or social recovery. The patient suffered from severe emotional instability, feeling misunderstood, sleeping disorder because of nightmares and traumatic re-experiences, feeling unsafe and externalisation. There were repeated conflicts and periodical rejection of caregivers. A range of interventions and support options were offered. Medication intake was considerable aiming for sedation and numbness. After a second opinion an assistance dog was suggested. Two years after the purchase of the dog, her mood had improved, anxiety decreased, she slept better and stopped all medication. She feeled safe. Conflicts with others were reduced, she had some social contacts and the intensity of care had been reduced considerably.