Effects of training service dogs on service members with PTSD: A pilot-feasibility randomized study with mixed methods.

ABSTRACT: This pilot-feasibility randomized control trial examined effects of an adjunctive short-term service dog training program (SDTP) for service members in out-patient treatment for PTSD. Twenty-nine volunteer participants were randomly assigned to either the SDTP (n = 12) or waitlist (n = 17); 20 participants were available for post-treatment evaluation. SDTP protocol consisted of six structured one-hour sessions with a dog-trainer conducted over two weeks, intended to train a service dog to help a fellow Veteran. SMs completed symptom questionnaires (PTSD, insomnia, stress, depression, anxiety), and the SDTP group completed a post-intervention quantitative interview. Most effect sizes demonstrated moderate symptom reductions, both between-groups and within the SDTP group. Between-group effec

SUBMITTER: Abraham PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10013423 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature