The Role of Service Dog Training in the Treatment of Combat-Related PTSD

Yount, Rick; Ritchie, Elspeth Cameron; Laurent, Matthew St.; Chumley, Perry; Olmert, Meg Daley

doi:10.3928/00485713-20130605-11

Cited by 38 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Positive interactions between humans and dogs, for example, have been proven to increase levels of oxytocin in both humans and dogs (Nagasawa et al, 2015). This has been found to cause a more positive mood, decreased negative emotions, and increased perceived welfare in humans (Beetz, Uvnäs-Moberg, Julius, & Kotrschal, 2012;Yount, Ritchie, St Laurent, Chumley, & Olmert, 2013). Moreover, companion animals act as social facilitators between humans, reducing the risk of social isolation (Banks & Banks, 2002;McNicholas & Collis, 2000;Wood, Giles-Corti, & Bulsara, 2005).…”

Section: The Influence Of Dogs On Ptsdmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A specific situation in which this might happen is when someone with PTSD is suffering a flashback of the event(s) that triggered the PTSD. While experiencing such flashbacks, the presence of a dog can help the person to focus on the present, reminding them that the danger is no longer there (Yount et al, 2013) The specialized training of a service dog may further strengthen this association, as it can be trained to actively seek its handler's attention, strengthening the re-orienting effect.…”

Section: The Influence Of Dogs On Ptsdmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The study of service dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: a scoping literature review

Houtert

Endenburg

Wijnker

et al. 2018

European Journal of Psychotraumatology

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The therapeutic application of human–animal interaction has gained interest recently. One form this interest takes is the use of service dogs as complementary treatment for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many reports on the positive effect of PTSD Service Dogs (PSDs) on veterans exist, though most are indirect, anecdotal, or based on self-perceived welfare by veterans. They therefore only give a partial insight into PSD effect. To gain a more complete understanding of whether PSDs can be considered an effective complementary treatment for PTSD, a scoping literature review was performed on available studies of PSDs. The key search words were ‘dog’, ’canine’, ‘veteran’, and ‘PTSD’. This yielded 126 articles, of which 19 matched the inclusion criteria (six empirical studies). Recurrent themes in included articles were identified for discussion of methodology and/or results. It was found that results from most included studies were either applicable to human–animal interaction in general or other types of service animals. They therefore did not represent PSDs specifically. Studies which did discuss PSDs specifically only studied welfare experience in veterans, but used different methodologies. This lead us to conclude there is currently no undisputed empirical evidence that PSDs are an effective complementary treatment for veterans with PTSD other than reports on positive welfare experience. Additionally, the lack of development standardization and knowledge regarding welfare of PSDs creates risks for both human and animal welfare. It is therefore recommended that a study on the effect of PSDs be expanded to include evaluation methods besides self-perceived welfare of assisted humans. Future studies could include evaluations regarding human stress response and functioning, ideally conducted according to validated scientific methodologies using objective measurement techniques to identify the added value and mechanisms of using PSDs to assist treatment of PTSD in humans.

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Section: The Influence Of Dogs On Ptsdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Influence Of Dogs On Ptsdmentioning

confidence: 99%

The study of service dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: a scoping literature review

Houtert

Endenburg

Wijnker

et al. 2018

European Journal of Psychotraumatology

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“…Reductions in startle response and depression, as well as improvements in emotional regulation have been reported amongst veterans involved in service dog training programs (Steele, ; Yount et al, ). This is consistent with our study as participants stated that their service dog assisted them in regulating their mood by reducing anxiety and anger.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Animal assisted interventions can lead to overall reductions in anxiety and depression (O’Haire, Guerin, & Kirkham, ), which can result in a reduction in the use of medication. Reports of decreased medication use, especially amongst service dog users with PTSD, has been documented (Steele, ) and a reduction in the use of pain medication has been reported amongst participants in a service dog training program(Yount et al , ). Some participants in our study reported decreased use of medication, particularly Diazepam (Valium).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…At this stage animal-assisted therapies approaches are regarded as an adjunct to standard medical treatment approaches. During a service dog training program for members of the United States military with PTSD, improvements in sleep, family dynamics, and a decrease in startle response and pain medication use were noted (Yount, Ritchie, St. Laurent, Chumley, & Olmert, 2013). Despite these observations, some inconsistency in approaches to animal assisted interventions was evident and this limits the generalisability of the findings of these studies (Bernabei et al;Nepps et al, 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring the influence of service dogs on participation in daily occupations by veterans with PTSD: A pilot study

McLaughlin

Hamilton

2019

Aus Occup Therapy J

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Introduction Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from military service can seriously impact quality of life. There is support for the use of service dogs amongst people with PTSD in managing symptoms by reducing anxiety and depression. To date, few studies have investigated this phenomenon comprehensively, particularly in relation to enhancing participation in daily occupations. Methods We explored the experience of a group of ex‐serving members of the Australian military with PTSD, who had partnered with a service dog. We sought to understand the influence of the service dog on PTSD symptom management and participation in meaningful daily occupations. Seven participants who had been paired with a service dog were recruited from a Veterans’ support organisation. Two semi‐structured focus group sessions were conducted, audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts from the focus group sessions and researcher field notes were analysed independently by two researchers using an inductive approach to generate codes and themes. Results The themes that emerged from the data were: isolation, safety, lifeline, reconnection and challenges. Veterans in this study reported that partnering with a service dog helped them to feel safe, helped them to manage the symptoms and impact of PTSD, resulting in improved sleep quality, emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, enhanced anger management, and a reduction in the misuse of alcohol and prescription medication and suicidal ideation. These changes led to improved relationships and increased participation in meaningful daily occupations. Ongoing financial support for veterans who have partnered with a service dog needs to be more closely examined. Conclusion These findings are important and highlight that a larger and more comprehensive, research project examining the impact of service dogs on the quality of life.

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The Empirical Evidence Supporting Dog Training Programs for Incarcerated People

Furst

2019

Prison Dog Programs

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The Role of Service Dog Training in the Treatment of Combat-Related PTSD

Abstract: Valerie, a golden retriever, demonstrates her ability to connect with a Marine at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence.

Cited by 38 publications

References 25 publications

The study of service dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: a scoping literature review

The study of service dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: a scoping literature review

Exploring the influence of service dogs on participation in daily occupations by veterans with PTSD: A pilot study

The Empirical Evidence Supporting Dog Training Programs for Incarcerated People

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