An exploratory case study of the impact of psychiatric service dogs on problematic substance use among PTSD-diagnosed veterans
An exploratory case study of the impact of psychiatric service dogs on problematic substance use among PTSD-diagnosed veterans
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DOI：
10.1080/14659891.2019.1664663
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发表时间：
2019-09-18
影响因子：
0.8
通讯作者：
Dell, Colleen Anne
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
Husband, Alicia;Ahmed, Anan;Dell, Colleen Anne
背景：创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）和同时发生的药物滥用问题是加拿大退伍军人的健康问题。他们使用有问题的物质有复杂的途径，包括在 PTSD 诊断前后高风险地使用合法和非法物质，以及获得可能被滥用的 PTSD 处方药物。方法：这项探索性案例研究探讨了为诊断患有创伤后应激障碍 (PTSD) 的退伍军人引入精神科服务犬 (PSD) 是否以及如何帮助解决他们使用非法和合法物质（包括处方药）的问题。退伍军人的处方历史在比赛前一年和比赛后一年与 PSD 进行了审查。在第二个时间点对退伍军人进行了采访，以审查他们的药物使用情况。结果：PSD 有助于减少退伍军人的 PTSD 症状，并提供额外个性化支持的稳定来源。退伍军人减少了对处方药和其他合法和非法药物的有问题的使用。退伍军人还稳定或减少了处方药的使用。结论：对于被诊断患有创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）、有问题地使用药物的退伍军人来说，精神科服务犬是一种潜在的补充健康实践。这一发现支持了进一步研究的呼吁。
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring problematic substance use is a health concern among Canadian military veterans. There are complex pathways to their problematic use of substances, including high-risk use of licit and illicit substances both pre and post PTSD diagnosis as well as access to prescribed PTSD medication with a potential for misuse. Methods: This exploratory case study examines whether and how the introduction of a psychiatric service dog (PSD) for veterans diagnosed with PTSD assists with addressing their problematic use of substances, both illicit and licit, including prescribed medications. Veterans' prescription histories were reviewed one year prior to and one year after their match with a PSD. Interviews were held with the veterans at the second point in time to review their substance use. Results: A PSD assisted with decreasing the veterans' PTSD symptoms and provided a steady source of additional personalized support. The veterans decreased their problematic use of prescribed and other licit and illicit substances. The veterans also stabilized or decreased their use of prescription medication. Conclusion: Psychiatric service dogs are a potential complementary health practice for PTSD diagnosed veterans who problematically use substances. This finding supports a call for further research.