Service Dogs for Veterans With PTSD: A Randomized Clinical Trial

VA Office of Research and Development1 site in 1 country60 target enrollmentJuly 1, 2011

ConditionsPTSD

Overview

Phase: Not Applicable
Intervention: Not specified
Conditions: PTSD
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
Enrollment: 60
Locations: 1
Primary Endpoint: Mental Health Outcomes
Status: Terminated
Last Updated: 4 years ago

Overview Investigators Eligibility Criteria Outcomes Sites Similar Trials

Overview

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate use of service dogs for individuals who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Objectives include: (1) assess the impact service dogs have on the mental health and quality of life of Veterans; (2) to provide recommendations to the VA to serve as guidance in providing service dogs to Veterans; and (3) To determine cost associated with total health care utilization and mental health care utilization among Veterans with PTSD.

Registry

clinicaltrials.gov

Start Date

July 1, 2011

End Date

March 31, 2017

Last Updated

4 years ago

Study Type

Interventional

Study Design

Single Group

Sex

All

Investigators

Sponsor

VA Office of Research and Development

Responsible Party

Sponsor

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

•Age greater than or equal to 18 years
•Referral from provider.
•PTSD diagnosis
•In active treatment for PTSD for at least three months at time of enrollment, with plans to remain in active treatment
•Acceptance by the dog vendor for the service dog
•Ability to adequately care for a dog - physically/financially
•Able to travel to vendor for pairing with dog

Exclusion Criteria

•Been hospitalized for mental health reasons in the prior 6 months
•Not living at the same residence for 6 months.
•Diagnoses: Psychoses, Delusions, dementia, active alcohol/substance dependence. Moderate to severe TBI. Any other diagnosis deemed by PI to limit ability to participate or give informed consent
•At time of enrollment - Active suicidal ideation, homicide, cognitive disabilities that would preclude safety of animal and ability needed for participation in the study.
•Children under age 10 living in the home