Do Rats Help With Mental Health?
WouterThe question “Do rats help with mental health?” is frequently asked, but the answer may not be as straightforward as many people think. The presence of rats in the home may increase the risk of physical and mental ailments, but is this beneficial? The answer depends on the circumstances of exposure. For example, residents exposed to rats may be more likely to suffer from headaches, dizziness, and upset stomach. This may be amplified when people live with rats regularly.
To test this, Lambert’s lab tested the feces of rats. She looked for stress hormones, including corticosterone, which controls stress responses. Rats also produced a hormone called DHEA, which is a buffer for corticosterone when it becomes too high. This buffer helps reduce the effects of stress.
The environment in which rats live is also an important factor in their health. While regulations require that a rat be raised under proper conditions, there is no guarantee that this will be the case. In many cases, rats are kept in tiny units with little stimulation and limited access to water. They are also fed only lab blocks and water and do not receive any supplements. The stress of living in a small, crowded space can have serious consequences.
Studies have found a link between rat infestations and poor mental wellbeing. These studies have shown that communities with a high rat population had higher levels of mental distress, such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. In addition, residents with a rat infestation experienced more stomachaches, headaches, and dizziness.
