DOD Finances PTSD Dog Study

Psychiatric service dogs, who assist people with a wide variety of mental illnesses, may be particularly helpful for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

So the Department of Defense is funding a study to pair more dogs with servicemembers diagnosed with PTSD. “It’s a powerful intervention. We expect a very large effect,” says research psychologist Craig Love.

Initial results with some servicemembers have been dramatic. Of 39 people with PTSD who were teamed with psychiatric service dogs, 82 percent are having fewer symptoms, and 40 percent are using less medication.

More details here.