A Longitudinal Study of Mental Illness among Bereaved Pet Owners

Abstract

Psychosomatic symptoms of bereaved pet owners were longitudinally evaluated through a questionnaire survey. Results showed that the numbers of suspected cases of mental illness 0, 2, and 4 months after the pet loss were 22/37 (59.5%), 17/30 (56.7%), and 11/27 (40.7%), respectively. Risk factors could include age of owner, relationship between the owner and the pet, and family function.