Can animals have mental disorders?

We know many people suffer from mental disorders but if you’ve ever suspected your dog is depressed or your cat has a touch of obsessive compulsive disorder, you could be right.

Most veterinarians and animal psychologists agree that animals can indeed suffer from various mental disorders, though not in quite the same ways as humans. For example, mental illness in humans is often the result of chemicals in the brain. Animals often display characteristics of mental illness when they’re mistreated or when they’re unable to get what they seek or need. Perhaps this is why animals living in captivity seem to exhibit more compulsive behaviors than those in the wild.

More Info: www.onlinepsychologydegree.info

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25 Comments

Sandra Caulfield

Yes. We have a Border Collie that was abandoned and probably abused by her previous owners. She is very needy, clingy, and I say she suffers from "separation anxiety. She is very lovable and very, very smart.

filmnut

Of course, we’re animals aren’t we . . . No matter what people say to the contrary, we are animals.

Suzanne Wilson

When my adult son was hospitalised for an extended period, his cat became so depressed as a result of the separation that the vet treated him with medication.

grindelmeeram

I believe abuse and/or neglect will result in many animals, including humans, having mental disorders. If human's brains can have "bad" chemistry, why couldn't animals?

johnpburkhardt

Saw a bear at the St. Louis Zoo pacing around in a circle, about 15 feet in diameter, the whole time I was looking at him. He needed some meds. Or more of them.

Bridget Clayton

Doris Dallaire, so sorry for you & yr cat Doris. What a sad story 😢

Bridget Clayton

chris reeves, Omg yes am sure they do. Just too awful 😖 😱

Bridget Clayton

Suzanne Wilson, how sad. Poor thing. When both my sons left home for university our cat used to sit outside their bedroom doors & make a terrible crying sound

Bridget Clayton

filmnut, we are mammals actually

catmom

Suzanne Wilson, 💔

Francie Carlson

Yes. My sister and brother-in-law had a dog who was abused by Hispanics and African Americans. He also hated young children.

maidofstardust

Of course. They have the same emotions and attachments that we have, and HAVE SHOWN that they can suffer from anxieties, ptsd, broken heart syndrome, jealousy, grudge holding and much more. It’s just Mankind has shortchanged the reality of both domestic and wildlife intelligence in order to profit from their use or outright slaughter.