Service Dogs and Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Military-Connected PTSD

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA · Dec 4, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how having a service dog can help veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when they go through a specific type of therapy called Prolonged Exposure Therapy. The goal is to see if the support from a service dog makes this therapy more effective for those who have experienced trauma.

To participate in this study, veterans need to be between the ages of 65 and 74, have been approved to receive a psychiatric service dog from either Canine Companions or K9s For Warriors, and have a diagnosis of PTSD. However, those who already have a service dog or are currently receiving Prolonged Exposure Therapy cannot take part in the trial. It’s important to note that the study is not yet recruiting participants, but once it starts, those who qualify will have the opportunity to explore the benefits of combining service dog support with therapy for managing their PTSD.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Applied for and approved to receive a psychiatric service dog from a service dog organization participating in the study
• • Diagnosis of PTSD on the CAPS-5-R
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current service dog
• • Current participation in Prolonged Exposure Therapy