Animal psychopathology

Animal psychopathology refers to the concept of animals' mental health and the disorders they can develop. Studying animal psychopathology has led to greater understanding of animals' mental states and how they respond to different environments and events. It has also helped develop better accommodations for animals in captivity. Scientists have observed that animals rarely show symptoms of mental disorders, unless they encounter something or go through an event that is not typical for the species in the wild. By observing and recognizing animals' mental states, humans can design artificial habitats that are best suited for the animals they are intended to contain.

Studying mental disorders in animals has also led to insights on similar disorders in humans. The more that is known about mental disorders in any species, the more knowledge people have regarding how to prevent and treat them across species. However, continued study of animal psychopathology has helped humans understand that similar symptoms and disorders may have very different root causes or require different treatments in different species.

Brief History

For much of human history, scientists did not consider animals capable of much mental activity beyond pure instinct. Concentrated scientific study of animal minds and behaviors did not start to develop until the nineteenth century. Researchers such as Edward L. Thorndike and Ivan Pavlov conducted experiments to measure the mental capacity of dogs and other animals. They did not conclude that the animals were capable of complex thought or reasoning, but their studies did encourage interest in understanding animal minds.

Studies continued into the twentieth century. In the first half of the century, the predominant view was that animal behaviors were completely separate from animals' mental capacity. At the time, most scientists believed that animals simply reacted to changes in their environment and all of their actions were the results of reflexes. Scientists believed animal brains were only used to control bodily function, not to allow any sort of thought.

In the mid-twentieth century, a shift occurred within the scientific community. Scientists came to see a relationship between mental processes and behavior. With this new line of thinking, research on animal brains and their mental capacity accelerated rapidly. Scientists, and then the general public, came to understand that animals were capable of much more complex behaviors than earlier generations had believed. Over time, scientists discovered that certain animals could solve complex problems, use tools, and show motivations beyond basic needs, such as caring for and mourning members of other species.

As scientists gained a greater understanding of animal minds, they discovered animals could have mental disorders, much like humans. Some had eating disorders, while others showed similar behaviors to human depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Still others would self-harm. Most animal mental and behavioral disorders were found to be the result of outside stresses.

Overview

One difficulty that arises when working with animal psychopathology is the concept of anthropomorphism. This refers to the tendency for people to project human characteristics onto an animal without any basis to do so. The concept is a difficult one because it can cause biases, preventing an observer from understanding an animal's motivation because it is not one that humans share. In the case of animal psychopathology, it can make disorders challenging to identify. An animal may show symptoms similar to a human with a mental disorder, but the cause of that disorder may be completely different for the animal. However, while scientists are discouraged from anthropomorphism, it does not mean animals and humans have nothing in common. It is discouraged, so scientists do not work under the assumption that an animal behavior or trait is similar to a human one, and try to interpret the research in that light. Scientists have learned a lot about humans through the study of animals; they just cannot assume that there will be similarities without evidence.

Disorders in animals often seem to be the result of some type of outside stress or change in the environment. Disorders are observed predominantly in captive animals. Scientists believe this is due to the artificial environment failing to resemble animals' natural habitats in some way, leading to stress when the animals cannot carry out the activities that they normally would.

Mental disorders have been observed in wild animals, but they are typically linked to genetic defects or injuries. While wild animals are exposed to many outside stresses, such as the threat of starvation or predators, they are stresses that the animals are designed to overcome; therefore, they do not take a toll on the animals' mental state.

Scientists believe that humans' understanding of these disorders can lead to improved enclosures that fully account for animals' needs. Pet owners can benefit from understanding them as well, since many pets will show symptoms of disorders when bored, depressed, or anxious. Pets that do not have the opportunity to explore their environment or exercise are prone to boredom. Pets that are trained, such as dogs, are prone to depression if the training is poor. If owners scold or punish a dog without making it clear what behavior they are trying to correct, and never praise the dog for good behavior, dogs can become unresponsive and apathetic.

Stereotypies are animal behaviors that are often associated with disorders. Stereotypies refer to repetitive actions that seem to have no purpose. Animals often carry them out in an effort to adjust to the stress of a new environment. This can include pacing, biting—including the animal biting itself in the same place—and grooming beyond the normal amount to the point of obsession. These are all signs that an animal may not be comfortable in its current situation.

Bibliography

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