An Observational Study of Service Dogs for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
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| Category | Journal Articles |
|---|---|
| Abstract |
Objectives: This study examined needs related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), assistance by service dogs, and feasibility of data collection among veterans receiving service dogs. Methods: Questionnaires assessed PTSD-related needs and services performed or expected to be performed by service dogs among 78 veterans who had or were on a wait list for a service dog (average age, 42; women, 31%). Analyses compared pre-post characteristics among 22 veterans who received a service dog as part of the study (91% follow-up; average follow-up53.3762.57 months). Results: Veterans reported that the most important services performed were licking or nudging veterans to help them “stay present,” preventing panic, and putting space between veterans and strangers. High follow-up rates and improvements in outcomes with moderate to large effect sizes among recipients of study-provided dogs suggest further study is warranted. Conclusions: Service dogs may be feasible supports for veterans with PTSD; randomized clinical trials are needed to assess effectiveness. |
| Date | 2017 |
| Publication Title | Psychiatric Services |
| Volume | 68 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Pages | 730-734 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201500383 |
| URL | https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.201500383 |
| Language | English |
| Additional Language | English |
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