WHat is PTSD, MSt, TBI and how do service dogs help?

For those not familiar with these anacronyms, here is what they each stand for:

PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder- was once classified as an anxiety disorder, it is now classified as a "Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorder. This classification reflects the unique nature of PTSD, which is brought on by exposure to a traumatic event and includes the following symptoms:

• Re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares.

• Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli.

• Negative changes in mood, cognition and hyperarousal.

  *PTSD and anxiety do share some symptoms, such as hypervigilance and fear, however, it IS a distinct mental health condition with its own specific causes, symptoms and treatment approaches.

MST- Military Sexual Trauma- this is defined by the VA as sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. How is MST related to PTSD? MST is not a disability in and of itself, but it is a traumatic stressor that, for some, triggers PTSD.

TBI-Traumatic Brain Injury-usually resulting from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body, or an object going through the brain tissue (bullet or skull fragment, for example). This type of injury can result in long-term complications or even death. Symptoms include:

• headaches

• nausea or vomiting

• fatigue or drowsiness

• dizziness or loss of balance

• sensory problems such as blurry vision, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth or changes in ability to smell

• sensitivity to light and sound

• loss of consciousness for seconds to minutes

• no loss of consciousness, but a state of "dazed", confused or disoriented

• memory/concentration problems

• mood changes/severe mood swings

• depression or anxious feelings

• difficulty sleeping

• sleeping more than usual.

SEVERE TBI SYMPTOMS:

• Loss of consciousness from minutes to hours

• Persistent headaches or worsening headaches

• Repeated nausea/vomiting

• convulsions /seizures

• Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes

• Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears

• Inability to awaken from sleep

• Weakness/ numbness in fingers/toes

• Loss of coordination

• Profound mental confusion

• Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior

• Slurred speech

• Coma and other disorders of consciousness

Since PTSD was first classified and diagnosed in 1980, there have been many studies to better understand the disorder and many new treatments developed. There have been many advancements in the treatment of TBIs as well, making survival/living a new "normal" more successful.

How do service dogs help with these conditions and how successful are service dogs?

Service dogs have been successful in over 90% of these mental health disorders as well as physical issues. Service dogs help by "predicting" (by sense of smell and /or chemicals released by the human body, behavioral cues, etc.) an episode. They can direct their human handler to a specific area (down onto the floor, an exit, a "friend" ...) and by leaning on their handler or laying across their handler (deep pressure therapy) they can help alleviate the episode, shorten the episode or even distract their handler from episodic, triggering thoughts/behavior. They can even be taught to retrieve medications, predict seizures, heart problems, epilepsy, issues related to diabetes, cancer and even help with mobility issues. Dogs are truly remarkable creatures in their ability to bond, associate with and read their human handlers!

By training the dog and handler together, as a team, the bond is strengthened and the two become hyper-aware of one another's emotional state, fears, triggers and needs. The Handler becomes less focused on self-harming behaviors- depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts- and more in-tuned to the fact that their dog needs them, they are loved, and they have someone "watching their 6".

All of this comes down to team behavior and bonding to help save lives.

A Brief history of service dogs

The first recorded use of service dogs to assist people with disabilities has been traced back to the first century AD. The FORMAL training of dogs as service animals did not begin until the 1900s, in Germany, with the opening of the world's first guide dog school. In 1929, the first US guide dog school (The Seeing Eye) was founded. It wasn't until 1990 that the USA officially recognized service dogs, with the Americans with Disabilities Act, expanding service dog roles beyond seeing-eye dogs.

As you can see, a disabled Veteran with a loyal, trained service dog not only finds a new normal, but THRIVES with their new companion. Service dogs change lives and save lives!