Preliminary study on the use of therapeutic seal robot for patients with depression

Depression is a serious mental health challenge. If left untreated, it could lead to other critical symptoms, even suicide. In Malaysia, the prevalence is estimated between 8-10% of the population but it is often under-recognized and undertreated. This study is the first one in Malaysia to propose an animal robot to provide mental support to patients with depression. The main objective of this paper is to introduce PARO the seal robot as a remedy to reduce the need for psychotropic drugs during depression therapy at a rehabilitation center. Patients with depression requires repetitive conditioning and motivation. A robotic animal is a proposed solution to provide constant mental support and induce warm and empathetic feelings from the patients. Comparing assessment scores of pre and post robotic therapy shall shed light on the suitability of PARO to help patients with depression.