Short Wave Man's Best Friend Is Healing Veterans
Jan 7, 2022
Stephanie O'Neill, a health policy reporter known for her impactful reporting on veterans' issues, joins to unpack the significant role of service dogs in healing PTSD. She discusses groundbreaking studies showing how these furry companions can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life for veterans. O'Neill sheds light on the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, aimed at connecting these specially trained dogs with those in need. The heartfelt stories of veterans and their service dogs illustrate transformative companionship in the face of trauma.
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Danielle's Story
- Danielle Clark Gutierrez, an Air Force veteran, suffered from PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST).
- She experienced harassment, assault, and a lack of support from superiors, leading to depression and self-medication.
Service Dogs and PTSD
- Research by Maggie O'Hare at Purdue University has shown that service dogs significantly reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms in veterans.
- The dogs also improve veterans' quality of life, social engagement, and overall well-being.
Cortisol and Service Dogs
- A study measured cortisol levels in veterans with and without service dogs, providing objective data.
- Veterans with service dogs showed healthier cortisol patterns, closer to those of individuals without PTSD.