Service animals are invaluable for many Americans living with physical disabilities. But these animals may be able to provide critical support for those with unseen injuries as well.
A growing number of veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder have found comfort and support through partnerships with service dogs. And now the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs wants to study just how effective this relationship is. The VA is currently conducting a study on the effect that service dogs can have on veterans suffering from PTSD, the organization wrote in a blog post.
ClinicalTrials.gov reported that the study will primarily look at the activities and quality of life of the veterans paired with service dogs over three years. Secondary markers that will be measured include severity and symptoms of PTSD, depression levels, suicide intent, health care utilization and cost, employment and sleep.
While service dogs can help veterans, sometimes a fellow former soldier is the best medicine.
While there are many organizations that help partner veterans with service dogs, the VA currently only approves animals for patients who are blind or deaf, the organization reported. However, this could change in the future.
"It was like night and day for me when Adonis entered my life," Joel Nicholson, a veteran of the Marines and National Guard, told the VA about his service dog.
The VA reported that a doctor recommended that Nicholson get the dog after he checked in to the PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Program in West Virginia.
The study is estimated to include 220 veterans, and participants are already being partnered with service animals. It is expected to be completed by June 2017.