PawsForUnderstanding.com
PTSD & Assistance
Dog Training
An initiative of the Returned & Services League
Forest Lake RSL Sub Branch
PTSD/Service Dog Programme
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a form of anxiety disorder. Some people develop this condition after they have experienced a traumatic event. This event might be a serious accident, physical or sexual assault, war or torture, or a natural disaster such as a bushfire or a flood. Strong reactions such as fear, horror, anger, sadness and hopelessness may be natural after events like these. In many cases, the feelings will pass after the normal working-through of emotions and talking things over in with family, friends or colleagues. When the feelings do not resolve, PTSD may be diagnosed.
For Defence personnel PTSD may be triggered from combat or other service related stressors or trauma. For those in the emergency services and law enforcement, psychological distress can be triggered by life threatening personal experiences or from those seen during the provision of care to the community (known as secondary exposure).
In all of these frontline groups, the incidence of PTSD is much higher than in mainstream community.
For Defence personnel PTSD may be triggered from combat or other service related stressors or trauma. For those in the emergency services and law enforcement, psychological distress can be triggered by life threatening personal experiences or from those seen during the provision of care to the community (known as secondary exposure).
In all of these frontline groups, the incidence of PTSD is much higher than in mainstream community.
There are four options for Treatment: according to AAPP, Dept Veteran Affairs, PTSD Foundation USA:
1. Medication
2. Therapy Sessions
3. Service Dogs
4. Experimental
2. Therapy Sessions
3. Service Dogs
4. Experimental
Less than 40% of veterans with PTSD will seek Treatment. Of these, 4 out of 5 are prescribed medications and referred to therapy by their doctors.
PTSD/Service Dogs offer a non pharmaceutical option alongside of or in conjunction with mainstream medical care. A dog may:
- Provide Companionship
- Calm Their Handler
- Assist in Medical Crisis
- Provide treatment related assistance
- Assist in coping with emotional overload
- Perform security enhancement tasks
- Assist with episodes of stress/trauma(PTSD)
- Prevent people from crowding or rushing
- Guide their handler through crowds
PTSD/Assistance dogs work solely as companions for individual veterans, whereas Therapy/Delta dogs provide love, companionship and service in hospitals, workplaces, aged care facilities and in the public arena. PTSD/Assistance dogs are trained to work with incapacitated defence personnel & members. Incapacity may be physical (eg, confined to a wheelchair or suffering with balance issues), or psychological (eg members who suffer with PTSD, TBI).
