Canine-Assisted Therapy: Treatment of PTSD in Combat Veterans

Background:Every day, 22 veterans diagnosed with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commit suicide. Veterans diagnosed with PTSD are also more likely to experience a decreased quality of life including: self-destructive behavior, social isolation, and severe anxiety. Mental illness can carry a negative connotation in the military, with service members under pressure to remain stoic. Unfortunately, fear of ostracism and loss of status, community, and benefits can result in decreased treatment-seeking behaviors.Current treatment options include psychotherapy and psychopharmacological methods, which can lead to misuse and abuse of these substances.

Purpose:The purpose of this evidence-based project was to explore the impact of canine therapy and how it can improve quality of life for war veterans diagnosed with combat-related PTSD.

Methods:A review of the literature was conducted utilizing Academic Search Elite, Academic Search Premier, Education Full Text, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases. Key words used include: veteran, posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD, canine therapy, animal assisted therapy, and pet therapy, with multiple combinations and truncations. A total of 118 articles were returned. After reviewing for relevance to the PICOT question, 12 were retained for inclusion in the project.

Results/Summary/Discussion:Results indicate that veterans can derive both social and psychological benefit from therapeutic canine interactions as a form of non-pharmaceutical treatment for PTSD. Canine therapy is associated with decreased symptoms of PTSD, decreased need for medication, and improved feelings of social acceptance. Canine therapy also provides a non-stigmatizing, non-pharmaceutical alternative treatment intervention.

Nursing Implications:Canine therapy can be integrated into treatment plans using a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to increase the quality of life for veterans with PTSD. Nurses are instrumental in advancing this treatment modality by becoming more aware of signs and symptoms of combat-related PTSD in patients and being knowledgeable about the canine service programs available to veterans. Further research is needed to determine reliability of this method of adjunct treatment for PTSD and associated symptoms.