Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Leanne O. Nieforth, Elizabeth A. Craig, Virginia A. Behmer, Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: Psychiatric service dogs can play a positive role in cultivating resilience within military families, as they facilitate relational and family adaptation. This study suggests the incorporation of educational interventions, including relational maintenance strategies and family-focused approaches, to integrate service dogs as military family members.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Emmy A. E. van Houtert, T. Bas Rodenburg, Eric Vermetten, Nienke Endenburg
Summary: Due to a lack of empirical study, it is still unclear whether a service dog truly mitigates the burden of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, a study found that veterans and first aid responders with PTSD who had a service dog showed fewer PTSD related symptoms, better sleep quality, and better wellbeing experience compared to those with a companion dog.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Cassandra L. Pattinson, Tracey A. Brickell, Jason Bailie, Lars Hungerford, Sara M. Lippa, Louis M. French, Rael T. Lange
Summary: This study examined the association between sleep disturbances and neurobehavioral outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and found that sleep disturbances were significantly associated with worsened neurobehavioral functioning. When experienced concurrently with posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances posed a significant burden on service members and veterans.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL SLEEP MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jared Greenberg, Jack Tsai, Steven M. Southwick, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: The study found that PTG is relatively common among combat veterans with severe PTSD symptoms, and is associated with better mental functioning and quality of life.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah Leighton, Leanne Nieforth, Marguerite O'Haire
Summary: This article conducted a systematic review on the use of psychiatric assistance dogs for military veterans with PTSD. The literature showed significant improvements in PTSD symptom severity, as well as potential positive effects on mental and social health. The study also highlighted opportunities and limitations for future research.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Eleftherios Hetelekides, Adrian J. Bravo, Elizabeth Burgin, Michelle L. Kelley
Summary: This study compared the relationships among PTSD, different facets of rumination (problem-focused, counterfactual, repetitive, and anticipatory thoughts), and anxiety, depression, and suicidality in military-affiliated personnel and non-military college students. The results showed that PTSD was positively associated with each rumination facet and mental health outcome in both the military and student samples, but the relationships were stronger in the military sample. The relationship between problem-focused ruminative thoughts and suicidality was also stronger in the military sample compared to the student sample.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Kerri E. Rodriguez, Lindsey M. Anderson, Carol A. Ott, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: Research on the effects of PTSD service dogs on military veterans with PTSD found that having a service dog did not significantly impact overall medication use or specific medication categories, but veterans with a service dog were more likely to report dosage reduction or discontinuation of medications by their doctors after obtaining the service dog. Future research is needed to further explore the causality of these findings.
Article
Neurosciences
Seyma Katrinli, Anthony P. King, Elizabeth R. Duval, Alicia K. Smith, Nirmala Rajaram, Israel Liberzon, Sheila A. M. Rauch
Summary: Epigenetic alterations in DNA methylation may mediate the gene expression effects of trauma underlying PTSD symptoms and the effects of PTSD on related health problems. PTSD is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates, indicating accelerated biological aging. A study measuring genome-wide DNA methylation found that patients with PTSD had increased GrimAge acceleration, suggesting a higher risk of premature mortality. There were no differences in GrimAge acceleration between combat trauma and non-trauma exposed controls, and no treatment-related changes in GrimAge acceleration were observed in PTSD patients pre- to post-treatment.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Michelle R. Madore, F. Andrew Kozel, Leanne M. Williams, L. Chauncey Green, Mark S. George, Paul E. Holtzheimer, Jerome A. Yesavage, Noah S. Philip
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TMS in veterans with MDD and PTSD. The results showed that TMS was associated with significant reductions in MDD and PTSD symptoms, and the side effects were consistent with the known safety profile of TMS. These findings support TMS as a safe and effective treatment for veterans with MDD and PTSD.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Simon P. Byrne, Brienna M. Fogle, Ruth Asch, Irina Esterlis, Ilan Harpaz-Rotem, Jack Tsai, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: The study investigated the prevalence, comorbidities and burden of SAD in US military veterans, showing that those with SAD have higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities, functional impairments, and a greater risk for suicidal ideation. These results emphasize the importance of screening, monitoring and treating SAD in this population along with other mental disorders.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Craig A. Marquardt, Victor J. Pokorny, Seth G. Disner, Nathaniel W. Nelson, Kathryn A. McGuire, Scott R. Sponheim
Summary: Among individuals with PTSD, verbal learning and memory deficits are related to reexperiencing symptoms and attentional control alterations may explain these deficits. Understanding these findings can have implications for trauma-focused psychotherapy and recovery.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Colm B. Doody, Lindsay Robertson, Katie M. Cox, John Bogue, Jonathan Egan, Kiran M. Sarma
Summary: A review was conducted on resilience-building programmes for military personnel and frontline emergency workers prior to deployment, which found that interventions using cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness were relatively successful in enhancing resilience, however, the effectiveness in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress and PTSD remains uncertain.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Leanne O. Nieforth, Kerri E. Rodriguez, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: This study examines the experiences of Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) service dogs and compares them with the expectations of Veterans on a waitlist for a service dog. It found that Veterans on the waitlist more frequently mentioned benefits of service dogs. The study suggests that expected drawbacks of service dogs differ from those experienced.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Sarah C. Leighton, Kerri E. Rodriguez, Run Zhuang, Clare L. Jensen, Elise A. Miller, Arman Sabbaghi, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: This longitudinal clinical trial examined the efficacy of psychiatric service dogs for daily psychosocial functioning among veterans with PTSD using ecological momentary assessment. Results indicated that service dog placement was associated with better social interaction quality, improved affect, lower odds of panic attacks, and mixed results for social participation. The findings highlight the importance of education about service dog etiquette and reveal potential mechanisms underlying psychiatric service dog placements.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Emmy A. E. van Houtert, Nienke Endenburg, Eric Vermetten, T. Bas Rodenburg
Summary: This study investigated the difference in hair cortisol levels between service dogs and companion dogs, and found no significant difference. The stress levels of the service dog group were similar to those of the companion dog group.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Leanne O. Nieforth, Elizabeth A. Craig, Virginia A. Behmer, Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: Psychiatric service dogs can play a positive role in cultivating resilience within military families, as they facilitate relational and family adaptation. This study suggests the incorporation of educational interventions, including relational maintenance strategies and family-focused approaches, to integrate service dogs as military family members.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Leanne O. Nieforth, Kerri E. Rodriguez, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: This study analyzed caregiver accounts to understand their perspective on the benefits and challenges of mobility and medical alert service dogs. The findings suggest that these service dogs have an impact not only on the recipients but also on the caregivers and other family members. Further research should explore this interaction to best support caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Kerri E. Rodriguez, Jessica Bibbo, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: This qualitative study examines the role of full-time resident facility dogs in children's hospitals. The findings suggest that facility dogs have positive impacts on the daily lives of pediatric healthcare professionals, improving their stress and wellbeing, staff relationships, and job-related morale. Additionally, they benefit patients and families by helping build rapport, providing comfort and positive resources, and normalizing the hospital environment.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Leanne O. Nieforth, A. J. Schwichtenberg, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: The literature on animal-assisted intervention (AAI) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has doubled in the last 5 years, with horses and dogs being the most commonly researched animals. The most researched outcome was social interaction. However, issues with methodological rigor persist. The study emphasizes the importance of focusing on methodological rigor, refining intervention structures, addressing animal welfare needs, and establishing an evidence base for AAI in individuals with ASD.
REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Leanne O. Nieforth, Kerri E. Rodriguez, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: This study examines the experiences of Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) service dogs and compares them with the expectations of Veterans on a waitlist for a service dog. It found that Veterans on the waitlist more frequently mentioned benefits of service dogs. The study suggests that expected drawbacks of service dogs differ from those experienced.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Leanne O. Nieforth, Elise A. Miller, Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of PTSD service dogs on spouses and families of military veterans. The results indicate that spouses with service dogs have lower caregiver satisfaction, higher caregiver burden, and greater participation in life activities. Clinicians should consider preparing veteran spouses and families for the integration of service dogs.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOTRAUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Crystal Bryce, Ashley M. Fraser
Summary: This study examined the perceptions of 726 US students on how COVID-19 has impacted their academic and social lives, and the role of hope in improving feelings of school connectedness. The results showed that most students found the switch to online learning difficult and experienced a decrease in academic motivation. The qualitative findings were consistent with the quantitative findings. Pre-pandemic hope positively predicted students' feelings of school connectedness.
CHILD CARE HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Samantha M. Brown, Kerri E. Rodriguez, Amy D. Smith, Ashley Ricker, Ariel A. Williamson
Summary: Childhood maltreatment is strongly associated with behavioral sleep disturbances, but the specific manifestations of this association vary depending on maltreatment characteristics, sleep disturbance types, measurement methods, and study designs. Further research is needed to explore how intervening in sleep problems can mitigate the long-term impacts of childhood maltreatment on health.
SLEEP MEDICINE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Leanne O. Nieforth, Ahmad Hakeem Abdul Wahab, Arman Sabbaghi, Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Daniel Foti, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: This study investigates the day-to-day experiences of positive and negative emotions among partners of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who were assigned service dogs. The findings show that partners of veterans with service dogs report higher levels of positive emotions compared to partners on the waitlist, with no significant differences in negative emotions.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Tiffani J. Howell, Leanne Nieforth, Clare Thomas-Pino, Lauren Samet, Sunday Agbonika, Francisca Cuevas-Pavincich, Nina Ekholm Fry, Kristine Hill, Brinda Jegatheesan, Miki Kakinuma, Maureen MacNamara, Sanna Mattila-Rautiainen, Andy Perry, Christine Y. Tardif-Williams, Elizabeth Ann Walsh, Melissa Winkle, Mariko Yamamoto, Rachel Yerbury, Vijay Rawat, Kathy Alm, Ashley Avci, Tanya Bailey, Hannah Baker, Pree Benton, Catherine Binney, Sara Boyle, Hagit Brandes, Alexa M. Carr, Wendy Coombe, Kendra Coulter, Audrey Darby, Lowri Davies, Esther Delisle, Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers, Angela Fournier, Marie Fox, Nancy Gee, Taryn M. Graham, Anne Hamilton-Bruce, Tia G. B. Hansen, Lynette Hart, Morag Heirs, Jade Hooper, Rachel How, Elizabeth Johnson, Melanie Jones, Christos Karagiannis, Emily Kieson, Sun-A Kim, Christine Kivlen, Beth Lannin, Helen Lewis, Deborah Linder, Dac Loc Mai, Chiara Mariti, Rebecca Mead, Gilly Mendes Ferreira, Debbie Ngai, Samantha O'Keeffe, Grainne O'Connor, Christine Olsen, Elizabeth Ormerod, Emma R. Power, Peggy A. Pritchard, Kerri Rodriguez, Deborah Rook, Matthew B. Ruby, Leah Schofield, Tania Signal, Jill Steel, Wendy Stone, Melissa Symonds, Diane van Rooy, Tiamat Warda, Monica Wilson, Janette Young, Pauleen Bennett
Summary: This paper addresses the confusion that may arise from the terminology used to describe animals working in roles supporting people, presents working definitions for nine terms, and recommends phasing out two terms to avoid overlap and potential confusion.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Sarah C. Leighton, Kerri E. Rodriguez, Run Zhuang, Clare L. Jensen, Elise A. Miller, Arman Sabbaghi, Marguerite E. O'Haire
Summary: This longitudinal clinical trial examined the efficacy of psychiatric service dogs for daily psychosocial functioning among veterans with PTSD using ecological momentary assessment. Results indicated that service dog placement was associated with better social interaction quality, improved affect, lower odds of panic attacks, and mixed results for social participation. The findings highlight the importance of education about service dog etiquette and reveal potential mechanisms underlying psychiatric service dog placements.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Crystal I. I. Bryce, Ashley M. M. Fraser
Summary: Scientifically, hope is a complex concept that involves goal-setting, identifying routes to achieve the goals, and feeling confident in pursuing them. It has been found to have a positive impact on children's academic achievement, mental health, and resilience. However, there is still a need to integrate social and contextual factors in the study of hope development. This review aims to highlight this gap and encourage future researchers to consider the role of context in understanding and promoting hope in child development.
CHILD INDICATORS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Sonya Xinyue Xiao, Laura D. Hanish, Laura Means Malouf, Carol Lynn Martin, Bridget Lecheile, Priscilla Goble, Richard A. Fabes, Dawn DeLay, Crystal I. Bryce
Summary: This study examines the impact of the gendered nature of children's peer relationships on students' social-emotional competencies and tests the effectiveness of an easy-to-implement universal intervention (Buddy Up). The findings indicate that the Buddy Up program is associated with increased prosocial behavior and reduced aggression among preschoolers. Furthermore, the program also promotes the likelihood of children developing friendships with peers of the other gender, leading to greater prosocial behavior.
EARLY CHILDHOOD RESEARCH QUARTERLY
(2022)
Article
Communication
Ashley M. Fraser, Laura A. Stockdale, Crystal Bryce, Brittany L. Alexander
Summary: This study revealed that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led college students to increase TV watching and video game playing. Changes in media use patterns were associated with increased concerns about society and the future, with social media potentially serving as a coping mechanism. Mental health, particularly levels of anxiety and depression, played a significant role in moderating these relationships.
PSYCHOLOGY OF POPULAR MEDIA
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shanshan Xiao, Natalie C. Ebner, Amirhossein Manzouri, Tie-Qiang Li, Diana S. Cortes, Kristoffer N. T. Mansson, Hakan Fischer
Summary: The mechanisms through which intranasal oxytocin affects the brain are not fully understood, but recent research suggests that brain regions with a higher density of oxytocin receptors may play a key role. This study used resting-state fMRI to investigate the effects of intranasal oxytocin administration on connectivity between these receptor-enriched regions and other regions in the brain, and found that the effects varied depending on the age of the participants.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lisa Haase, Antonia Vehlen, Julia Strojny, Gregor Domes
Summary: This study found no significant changes in the cortisol awakening response (CAR) over the menstrual cycle, and no significant association with variations in estradiol and progesterone. These results suggest that CAR is largely robust against hormonal variations across the menstrual cycle.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Derek Schaeuble, Tyler Wallace, Sebastian A. Pace, Shane T. Hentges, Brent Myers
Summary: Depression and cardiovascular disease are influenced by daily life stress, but the biological mechanisms behind this connection are not well understood. This study shows that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) plays a role in regulating stress responses and behavior, with sex-specific effects. In males, the vmPFC-PH circuitry promotes positive motivation and reduces stress responses, while in females it elevates stress responses. This suggests that cortical regulation of stress reactivity and behavior is mediated by projections to the hypothalamus in a sex-specific manner.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jose M. Guzman, Montana H. Boone, Gabriela L. Suarez, Colter Mitchell, Christopher S. Monk, Luke W. Hyde, Nestor L. Lopez-Duran
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased life stress and internalizing disorders, with a disproportionate impact on women. This study focused on the neuroendocrinology of stress-related disorders and found that women have lower cortisol responses and higher DHEA responses to stress. However, lower cortisol and higher DHEA are associated with internalizing disorders in women, while the opposite is true in men. The study also examined the relationship between COVID-related stress and internalizing symptoms and found gender differences in the association between DHEA and cortisol and internalizing outcomes. These findings suggest distinct neuroendocrine pathways for stress-related disorders in young men and women.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Meriah L. Dejoseph, Keira B. Leneman, Alyssa R. Palmer, Emily R. Padrutt, Otiti A. Mayo, Daniel Berry
Summary: Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for the development of the stress response system. This study found a modest positive relation between the adrenocortical and sympathetic systems, as well as between the adrenocortical and parasympathetic systems. The strength of these associations varied based on methodological and sociodemographic characteristics.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Qiong Xiang, Jia-Sheng Tao, Shuai Dong, Xiao-Lin Liu, Liang Yang, Li-Ni Liu, Jing Deng, Xian-Hui Li
Summary: Chronic hyperglycemia accelerates the pathological process of cognitive dysfunction, but the heterogeneity of hippocampal cells under long-term high glucose conditions is not well known. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on diabetic mice, and distinct cell sub-clusters and important genes involved in neuroplasticity regulation were identified.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Roger Mcintosh, Hannah Hoogerwoerd, Salman S. Ahmad, Cassandra Michel, Kaitlyn Dillon, Mahendra Kumar, Gail Ironson
Summary: The study found that a 4-session guided written emotional disclosure intervention led to significant reductions in total output and concentration of epinephrine in urine for up to 6 months in individuals living with HIV. This effect was especially pronounced in women. However, there were no significant changes in norepinephrine output in urine.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Meredith Gruhn, Adam Bryant Miller, Tory A. Eisenlohr-Moul, Sophia Martin, Matthew G. Clayton, Matteo Giletta, Paul D. Hastings, Matthew K. Nock, Karen D. Rudolph, George M. Slavich, Mitchell J. Prinstein, Margaret A. Sheridan
Summary: This study investigates how early life adversity characterized by threat impacts the association between neural activity and cortisol production during emotion processing. The results suggest that threat exposure may moderate the relationship between neural activation and cortisol response.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)