@article{ref1,
title="Effects of training service dogs on service members with PTSD: a pilot-feasibility randomized study with mixed methods",
journal="Military psychology",
year="2022",
author="Abraham, Preetha A. and Kazman, Josh B. and Bonner, Joshua A. and Olmert, Meg D. and Yount, Rick A. and Deuster, Patricia A.",
volume="34",
number="2",
pages="187-196",
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 effects were strongest for intrusive thoughts (Hedge's g = −0.66; 95%CI: −1.72, 0.23) and overall PTSD symptoms (g = −0.45; 95%CI: −1.47, 0.45); within-SDTP group effects were strongest for stress (d = −1.31, 95%CI: −2.17, −0.42), intrusive thoughts (d = −0.78, 95%CI: −1.55, 0.01) and hypervigilance (d = −0.77, 95%CI: −1.48, −0.04). Qualitative analyses indicated participants found SDTP in some ways challenging yet beneficial in multiple aspects of personal and social lives. Future work should examine optimal treatment parameters (e.g., duration, &quot;dosing&quot;) when training dogs as an adjunct to other PTSD treatment.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0899-5605",
doi="10.1080/08995605.2021.1984126",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2021.1984126"
}