Raina Shah MSN Larry Maturin MSN APN ACNSBC

Raina Shah, MSN Larry Maturin, MSN, APN, ACNS-BC, CEN, CCRN Pet Therapy in Combat Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder estimated to be experienced by 7. 8% of Americans at some point in their lives. PTSD occurs following the experience of or witnessing of life-threatening events. Individuals who suffer from PTSD often relive their experiences through nightmares and flashback and are at risk for family breakdown, social withdrawal and isolation, and substance abuse. As combat veterans are constantly being exposed to traumatic events and life-threatening experiences, their likelihood of suffering from PTSD is higher in comparison to other individuals. Purpose: This literature review examined the effectiveness of pet therapy as a non-pharmacologic therapeutic approach to treating PTSD in combat veterans. Nursing Implications: Further research needs to Conceptual Framework be conducted on the effectiveness of service dogs as non-pharmacologic treatment approach in veterans with PTSD in order to close the knowledge and treatment gap. Nurses should become familiar with the effects of PTSD on individuals and families, how pet therapy can be useful in mitigating symptoms of depression and anxiety, and how service animals can give veterans an increased sense of selfmastery. Pet therapy should be considered as an alternative treatment modality that is more inclusive of veterans. With more research and focus, pet therapy may increase the number of veterans who seek out treatment and increase the possibility of successfully treating PTSD and mitigating its debilitating effects in our combat veteran population. Background and Significance: PTSD is known to be detrimental to individuals in their personal, social, and occupational lives. Individuals experience PTSD differently making it difficult to rely solely on cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacologic interventions as treatment modalities for PTSD. Additionally, a high percentage of veterans who begin treatment of PTSD with psychotherapy or medication end up dropping out of their treatment regimen. Due to the low percentage of veterans who actually seek out care and the low recovery rate, current strategies reach approximately 20% or less of all veterans who do need PTSD treatment. Pet therapy is associated with little risk and can potentially address a treatment gap by being inclusive of veterans who do not want to utilize traditional approaches for treatment of PTSD. Examining the effectiveness of pet therapy as a non pharmacologic method for treating PTSD may be more beneficial for veterans who do not have positive outcomes for cognitive behavioral therapy or pharmacologic interventions. Methods: Literature reviewed was from the following databases: Pub. Med (5 articles were used). Search terms included: pet therapy and PTSD; and service dogs and PTSD. Results & Discussion: 5 studies that were analyzed regarding the use of service dogs and veterans revealed that service dogs can be a valuable asset to veterans with PTSD. Well trained service dogs can give veterans an increased sense of self-mastery, which can be useful in mitigation of depression and anxiety. Fewer psychiatric symptoms, less substance abuse, better intrapersonal relationships, and fewer stress neurohormones were identified as benefits of using pet therapy. Conclusion: Pet therapy is an effective adjunct measure for treatment of PTSD. Pet therapy can improve interpersonal relationships, quality of life, perceptions of support, while decreasing substance abuse, psychiatric symptoms, and stress hormones in veterans with PTSD.