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NHS recruits snakes to treat depression
Sophie Goodchild, Health and Social Affairs Correspondent12 Jun 2009
Snakes are being recruited as animal "therapists" by the NHS to treat depression.
A London clinic is the first to use reptiles to help patients overcome low self-worth and "communication issues".
The Huntercombe hospital in Roehampton has enlisted Angel, a seven-year-old 5ft corn snake, in group sessions where patients can touch, feed and care for her.
The majority of its 38 patients are referred by the NHS for treatment for addictions and eating disorders.
Doctors say those involved in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) have already shown an improvement in concentration and mood.
Louise Helsdown, the occupational therapist running the programme, said snakes were a "fantastic aid" in helping people recover from mental health problems.
She said: "We have patients who can't get out of bed because they're so depressed. But snakes are a great motivator especially for male patients who often don't want to look after furry animals.
"Snakes are also unusual and people don't come across them very often in this country. Handling them gives patients a sense of achievement which they can tell their friends and family about.
"They offer unconditional acceptance. They don't judge people who have self-harm scars, for example.
"These animals provide a lifeline - the enjoyment of spending time with these animals really lifts their spirits and gives them a real sense of purpose to their day.
"As part of the therapy, they are an innovative and fantastic aid to the recovery process."
Known for their placid characters, corn snakes are not venomous and are the most popular type of pet snake.
They are ideal in therapeutic settings because they enjoy being touched and learn to recognise their handler.
And the snakes, which originate from the middle and southern states of the US, are easy to care for as they are extremely hardy.
Huntercombe also uses a dog and two hamsters to help relax patients. Scientific studies have demonstrated that animal-assisted therapy can benefit people suffering a range of conditions.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania reported that stroking a cat or dog can lower blood pressure in those with hypertension.
It has also been shown that people who watch fish in an aquarium before a medical procedure had less anxiety.
In the US, animals are used in convalescent homes, hospitals, daycare centres, and prisons.
Other clinics, including the Priory in north London, have pioneered "equine assisted psychotherapy" using horses to treat patients with anxiety and addiction.
All animals used at Huntercombe have regular health checks and breaks to ensure they do not get distressed.
Reader views (10)
I recently had the privilege of handling a snake (a small anaconda) and it was magical. It gave me the sense of being trusted and unconditionally accepted that other commenters have mentioned, plus the snake's slow and deliberate movements were very calming. Other people dancing with the snake appeared to be totally blissing out. After that experience I have no doubt that handling snakes can have a powerful therapeutic effect.
- John Loftus, Staverton, Devon, 31/12/2010 06:04
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FYI, I work in this hospital and have seen first hand the benefits patients receive from animal therapy. Mainly because they do not criticise or judge the way humans do, which is amplified by some of these comments. Even if you do not agree with it, as long as it works what is the problem?
Better spending your tax money on people that need help rather than people that laze around at home all day and cant be bothered to work!
- Employee, London, UK, 04/09/2009 14:34
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as a child a person who is alone most of the time or lonely or introspective could be introduced to, and learn to regard, all herpetological living things ;nskaes and etc.with kindness, awe, healtrhful respect and not fear o wanting to harm.Someone in my immdeiate family intro'd me to snakes as young as age 6. It was great and glady thankfully,still, as an adult, I love nature in most of its forms .There are many things one can learn about the snake and therefore the focal-point of the patient would be off self and on learning about the animal and showing empathy to the animal, Great...the snake handlers get to instruct.while the client or patients ' fear can be overcome ;- and if there is a bite, there is always the activated charcoal powder remedy .A person may graduate to a...life of learning a facet of nature or science from such an encounter with a gentler species, not of course the aggressive species. Keep in mind the differences , thank u,from Florida land of many snakes
- K.L.King, Gainesville, FL., 22/06/2009 23:00
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Wow. It's so nice to hear good things in the news about snakes! These animals really are a joy to own and work with, and are far more placid than most dogs or cats. They're fine with you just sitting down with them to hold them, and will sit in your lap for hours if you want. I think it's a fantastic idea to use these animals in therapy group sessions.
Many people will react badly to the idea, but I firmly feel that this reaction is purely a product of the modern western society, which incorrectly views snakes as vicious monsters due in large part to media coverage, ignorance, misunderstandings and prejudice originating in religious contexts. That these animals are helping people is a wholly good thing! I commend those who came up with this idea, and really do wish that people would take some time to do a little bit of research and understand things better before they make snap judgments.
"Snakes on a Plane", "Anaconda", "Harry Potter", and all other such movies are works of fiction, and are vastly, vastly incorrect in excruciatingly large, obvious ways. Unfortunately, most of the public tends to take these works of fiction to be fact--they are not. Do not judge what you do not understand. I'm only asking for a little research, and a little openmindedness from everyone who's responding to this.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and once more, kudos to whomever had this idea!
Brandi
- Brandi, Florida, US, 12/06/2009 23:57
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Why not use snakes? They're pets, and if dogs and cats help, why wouldn't snakes? Why not protest that a dog could bite someone? A dog bite would be 25 times more damage than a little cornsnake nip could ever be! Go Doctors! Pets DO help!
- Theresa, Jax,US, 12/06/2009 21:53
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How bizarre, but what can you expect when idiots are in charge? How many people will suffer from depression AFTER the snake 'treatment'? Whoever came up with this stupid idea should be fired forthwith.
Whatever next, witchdoctors?
- Ralph, London GB, 12/06/2009 17:24
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What's special about recruiting snakes? New Labour has been at it for years
- Paul, London, UK, 12/06/2009 13:58
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I suppose if it bites you it would take your mind of things.....
- Mark, St Albans, 12/06/2009 13:36
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BREAKING NEWS......
NHS RECRUITS SNAKES.
LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE 645 SNAKES LOITERING WITH INTENT IN THE HOUSE OF CONMEN.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK, 12/06/2009 13:34
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April 1st gets earlier every year.
For a moment, I almost thought you reported that the government was investing my taxes in a new age, complementary, alternative medicine that involves using snakes to treat depression.
Oh.. you are? Just goes to show: put two concepts together and some schmuck will come along and buy it.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one, 12/06/2009 13:16
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