%0 Journal Article
%T An observational study of service dogs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder
%J Psychiatric services
%D 2017
%A Yarborough, Bobbi Jo H.
%A Owen-Smith, Ashli A.
%A Stumbo, Scott P.
%A Yarborough, Micah T.
%A Perrin, Nancy A.
%A Green, Carla A.
%V 68
%N 7
%P 730-734
%X OBJECTIVES: This study examined needs related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), assistance by service dogs, and feasibility of data collection among veterans receiving service dogs. <br><br>METHODS: Questionnaires assessed PTSD-related needs and services performed or expected to be performed by service dogs among 78 veterans who had or were on a wait list for a service dog (average age, 42; women, 31%). Analyses compared pre-post characteristics among 22 veterans who received a service dog as part of the study (91% follow-up; average follow-up=3.37±2.57 months). <br><br>RESULTS: Veterans reported that the most important services performed were licking or nudging veterans to help them "stay present," preventing panic, and putting space between veterans and strangers. High follow-up rates and improvements in outcomes with moderate to large effect sizes among recipients of study-provided dogs suggest further study is warranted. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Service dogs may be feasible supports for veterans with PTSD; randomized clinical trials are needed to assess effectiveness.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I American Psychiatric Association
%@ 1075-2730
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201500383