Service Dogs for PTSD

Overseen By Maggie O'Haire, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Arizona

Disqualifiers: Generalized anxiety, Substance abuse, Major depression, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore the effectiveness of service dogs in helping Veterans manage PTSD symptoms and improve their daily lives. By comparing Veterans who receive a PTSD service dog to those who continue with usual care, the study seeks to understand the long-term benefits and how service dogs might assist with PTSD. Veterans diagnosed with PTSD, who have served honorably, and are approved for a first-time service dog are encouraged to participate. The study will help determine the best ways to use service dogs as a complementary treatment for PTSD and related mental health challenges. As an unphased trial, this study offers Veterans the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on innovative PTSD treatments.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on assessing the impact of service dogs on PTSD, so it's likely you can continue your current treatments.

What prior data suggests that service dogs are safe for Veterans with PTSD?

Research has shown that service dogs can safely and effectively support veterans with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Some studies indicate that veterans with service dogs may experience fewer PTSD symptoms. For instance, one study found that these veterans were up to 66% less likely to be diagnosed with PTSD. Other research suggests that service dogs can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep problems and fear of sleeping.

No reports have indicated negative effects from having a service dog. Instead, these dogs seem to enhance the quality of life for veterans, suggesting they are a well-accepted and positive option for those seeking extra help with PTSD symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard care options for PTSD, which often include medications and psychotherapy, a PTSD service dog provides unique, non-traditional support. Researchers are excited about this approach because service dogs offer constant companionship, which can help reduce anxiety and provide comfort in ways that traditional treatments might not. They also assist with specific tasks tailored to the individual's needs, such as interrupting panic attacks or reminding their handler to take medication. This personalized, hands-on support offers an innovative and potentially more immediate form of relief for individuals with PTSD.

What evidence suggests that service dogs are effective for PTSD?

Research has shown that service dogs can help veterans with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). In this trial, some participants will receive a PTSD service dog, while others will receive usual care. Studies have found that veterans with service dogs may experience fewer PTSD symptoms, and some reports indicate they are 66% less likely to be diagnosed with PTSD. Veterans with service dogs often report a better quality of life and improved overall well-being compared to those receiving only standard care. Although the long-term benefits of service dogs are still being explored, early results suggest they could be a promising additional treatment for PTSD. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for military veterans with PTSD who have been honorably discharged or are currently serving honorably. They must be approved to receive a psychiatric service dog and have no convictions of crimes against animals.

Inclusion Criteria

You were honorably discharged from the military or are currently serving honorably.

I have been diagnosed with PTSD.

You are currently serving in the military.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a trained service dog as a complementary strategy to usual care for PTSD

8 months

Regular assessments throughout the treatment period

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

7 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PTSD Service Dog

Trial Overview The study tests the long-term effectiveness of PTSD service dogs on veterans' symptoms and psychosocial functioning. It's a two-arm randomized clinical trial with assessments over 15 months to see how well these dogs help.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: PTSD Service Dog Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Arizona

Lead Sponsor

Trials

545

Recruited

161,000+

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Collaborator

Trials

2,103

Recruited

2,760,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6866726/

The study of service dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic ... The review found no undisputed evidence that service dogs are effective for PTSD in veterans, other than positive welfare reports.

2. news.arizona.edu news.arizona.edu/news/veterans-service-dogs-may-have-fewer-ptsd-symptoms-higher-quality-life

Veterans with service dogs may have fewer PTSD ... A new study finds that veterans paired with service dogs may be as much as 66% less likely to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

3. research.va.gov research.va.gov/ptsd-service-dogs.cfm

Results of VA study on PTSD and service dogs The VA study aimed to determine if service dogs help Veterans with PTSD. Results are in two monographs, and the VA is reviewing and refining the findings.

4. icer.org icer.org/assessment/ptsd-service-dogs-2021/

PTSD: Service Dogs The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs commissioned an ICER analysis to evaluate outcomes of patients with specially trained service dogs. Learn more.

5. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2819452

Service Dogs for Veterans and Military Members With ... Compared with usual care alone, partnership with a trained psychiatric service dog was associated with lower PTSD symptom severity and better ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11151141/

Service Dogs for Veterans and Military Members With ... Findings of this trial suggest that trained psychiatric service dogs may be an effective complement to usual care for military service–related PTSD.

7. jheor.org jheor.org/post/2562-service-dogs-can-reduce-the-severity-of-ptsd-for-veterans

Service Dogs Can Reduce the Severity of PTSD for Veterans Service dogs can alleviate some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder for veterans, according to a study our team published in June 2024.

8. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/sleep/articles/10.3389/frsle.2024.1432919/full

The influence of service dog partnerships on perceived ... Veterans with service dogs for PTSD reported better sleep quality, less sleep disturbance, and less fear of sleep after 3 months.

9. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-023-50626-y

The cortisol awakening response in a 3 month clinical trial ... The current study empirically identifies the impact that service dogs may have on the stress physiology of veterans and veteran partners through ...