Swimming with dolphins can help with depression

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new study shows that people with mild to moderate depression felt better if they swam with dolphins.
There is much anecdotal evidence that swimming with a dolphin is beneficial to psychological health. Now researchers at the University of Leicester Medical School, UK, report on a study that shows how dolphins can help with depression.

The work was carried out in Honduras and involved a group of 30 patients with mild or moderate depression. Over a two week period, half of the group swam and snorkelled in the water with dolphins for an hour a day. The control group took part in water activities, but without the dolphins. None of the participants were on antidepressants or psychotherapy during the experiment.

Those who swam with the dolphins showed a reduction in depressive symptoms, say the researchers. What is more, the positive effects were still there three months after the trial. The benefits may come from some interaction with the dolphins' echolocation system of communication or from the emotion aroused during the experience.

Source
British Medical Journal 26th November 2005 Volume 331 pages 1231-1234

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