Service Dogs for PTSD

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Arizona

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military Veterans is a critical public health concern. Veteran suicide rates exceed those of the general population, with the disorder creating a mental health challenge that is costly and debilitating. The majority of Veterans with PTSD also have comorbid mental health diagnoses, such as generalized anxiety disorder, substance abuse disorder, and major depression. The treatment of Veteran PTSD and comorbid disorders represents an important therapeutic and rehabilitation problem. The disorder is complex and difficult to treat, with high treatment dropout and nonresponse rates spurring some Veterans to seek complementary integrative health strategies. One promising complementary strategy is the provision of a trained service dog. Initial evidence across multiple research groups highlights service dogs as a promising complement to evidence-based practices that can offer short-term improvements. However, the long-term effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and moderators of efficacy remain largely unknown. Thus, the overarching objective of this proposal is to understand how, why, and for whom PTSD service dogs are most effective. To address this objective, the present project will assess the longitudinal efficacy and dose-response curve of service dogs for Veteran PTSD symptomology and psychosocial functioning. The research design will consist of a two-arm, randomized clinical trial (RCT) with longitudinal assessments over a period of 15 months. Results are expected to elucidate the clinical impact of service dogs for military Veterans with PTSD, as well as the biobehavioral mechanisms of action and characteristics that moderate efficacy. These outcomes will support the long-term goal of accelerating complementary and integrative health interventions, through optimized and evidence-based service dog interventions. As such, this project will further advance the scientific understanding of human-animal interactions for psychosocial health.

Eligibility Criteria

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.

+2 more

Participant Groups

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.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: PTSD Service DogExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group II: Usual CareActive Control1 Intervention