Companions in Combat: The Impact of Service Animals in Veterans with PTSD A Systematic Review [paper]
This systematic review examines the impact of service animals on veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The review synthesizes current literature to evaluate the value of service dogs in symptom reduction and facilitating reintegration into society utilizing databases, quality appraisal tools, and the development of inclusion criteria to identify a final sample of eight articles. A comprehensive search of relevant databases identified key findings highlighting the therapeutic benefits of service dogs, including reductions in anxiety, depression, and sensitivity to social situations. All participants in the identified studies were veterans and the sample size included 581 United States Americans. Additionally, themes of social support and improved quality of life emerged, demonstrating how service animals assist veterans in navigating daily challenges and fostering social connections. The findings drew attention to the importance of incorporating service animals into treatment plans for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, as they not only enhance emotional stability but also promote a smoother transition back into noncombatant life. This review advocates for further research to establish the utilization of service dogs in supporting veterans’ mental health.
veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder, service dogs, service animals, military, systematic reviews
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