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While it may seem soothing to cuddle with a cat, a recent study suggests that such contact could negatively impact mental health in the future. Schizophrenia Bulletin published research indicating that those who came into contact with cats during their first 25 years of life had more than twice the chance of developing schizophrenia and other similar mental disorders later in life.
The research, undertaken by Australian scientists at the University of Queensland, conducted a systematic review of 17 studies conducted across 11 countries from 1980 to 2023. The individuals included in these studies all owned cats during their first 25 years of life and exhibited symptoms related to schizophrenia later on.
Schizophrenia, characterized by changes in thought, behavior, and emotion, can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and problem thinking. Its symptoms can also include social withdrawal, lack of drive, difficulty in expressing emotions, and an overall decrease in daily functioning.
The researchers noted that while there is evidence suggesting a link between cat ownership and an increased risk of subsequent schizophrenia, more rigorous, high-quality studies are needed to strengthen these findings. They also highlighted the complexity of schizophrenia, underlining the importance of viewing these results in a broader context.
While the studies established a relationship between exposure to cats early in life and schizophrenia, it doesn’t definitively prove that this exposure causes the disorder. Further research is required to understand better these relationships, taking into account a variety of factors and underlying biological mechanisms.
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