Adopting a Companion Dog Helps Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Pilot Randomized Trial
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Despite significant treatment advances, many military veterans continue to suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated symptoms, suggesting a need for new interventions. This pilot trial examined the change in psychological symptoms of 19 veterans in treatment for PTSD who were randomized either to adopt a dog immediately from a Humane Society shelter (n = 9) or to a three-month waitlist followed by dog adoption (n = 10). The dogs were companion dogs, not service animals. The investigators analyzed quantitative assessments using mixed regression models with repeated measures. All veterans also participated in periodic semi-structured interviews. The study results showed companion dog adoption to be a feasible adjunctive intervention that helped improve PTSD and depressive symptoms for most participants. These findings suggest that this is a promising approach that is worthy of further study.
Source: Society and Animals
Authors: Stephen L. Stern, Erin P. Finley, Jim Mintz, Matthew D. Jeffreys, Bonnie V. Beaver, Laurel A. Copeland, Mistie D. Seawell, Courtney H. Bridgeman, Alison B. Hamilton, Emma L. Mata-Galan, Stacey Young-McCaughan, John P. Hatch, Ana Luiza C. Allegretti, Willie J. Hale, Alan L. Peterson
Institutions: The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Texas A&M University, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, University of California, Los Angeles, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Award: G3707323358
OpenAlex ID: W4281963028