PTSD is a relatively new diagnosis.

In 1980, The American Psychiatric Association added PTSD to the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM).

The DSM’s addition of PTSD was important because it explained that the event that causes personal trauma is outside of the individual—not a personal weakness.

Although traditional therapy methods are used to treat PTSD, new and helpful PTSD research is emerging.

Virtual Reality

The University of Central Florida’s RESTORES Clinic recently received $3 million in new funding to use virtual reality (VR). Its VR treatment is helping military service members, veterans, and first responders with PTSD, the West Orlando news reports.

The funding will help treat these populations and further the clinic’s research. It will help researchers advance simulation and virtual reality tactics.

This treatment may seem strange, but it’s been studied and fine-tuned for years, doctor Albert “Skip” Rizzo of the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies, says.

Rizzo has worked with virtual reality and its therapeutic capabilities since the 1990s. Research was hampered by technology in the past. In 2017, this is no longer an issue.

“Finally, the technology has caught up with the vision in this area, and I expect it to really take off in the next year,” Rizzo told Business Insider.

“It has not been the theory or research that has held back clinical VR, rather the availability, adoption and costs that have limited its widespread use.”

Patients are slowly exposed to PTSD triggers during VR exposure therapy. With guidance and repeated treatments, patients “grow accustomed” to the scenario and gradually “cope” with the experience.

The Comprehensive Resource Model

Lisa Schwarz, a licensed psychologist has refined The Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) over the past ten years. CRM combines psychology, spirituality, neurobiology, and shamanic “animal powers.” It’s used to treat some of the toughest PTSD cases.

CRM therapy requires patients to focus on physical sensations that arise from thinking about trauma.

To help patients deal with their feelings, Schwarz integrated Native American healing arts into her treatment regimen. The doctor combines breathing and visualization exercises, toning techniques, asks patients to think with their bodies, and has patients develop “power animals” that guide them through their memories.

“Really, the [CRM] model is a combination of neuroscience and spirituality,” Schwarz explains.

“We’re trying to really clarify the neurobiology so people can see the model for what it really is, and not what people presume it to be because of some of the aspects that seem to be a little… Strange.”

Thankfully, mental health doctors are learning how to incorporate new and old forms of PTSD treatment.

With time, PTSD may become easily treated. But until then, we’re happy many professionals are on the case.

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Any dog lover or owner knows that these four-legged, furry beasts can make a bad day better. While service dogs have been helping people with various disabilities, and soldiers with PTSD for years, these pups are now serving a different population in need – sexual assault survivors.

In late November, The Atlantic published a story about how service dogs are helping rape survivors recover from the trauma they endured during their attack. According to the story, almost 30 percent of sexual assault survivors suffer from PTSD. Service dogs also can help people with depression, bipolar disorder, and autism cope with every day life, as well.

“Experts say that service dogs could be beneficial for sexual-assault victims as well, and may even be uniquely suited to help them overcome their issues with trust and relationships.”

So, awesome right? Right! But there is a slight problem – it’s really difficult to get a service dog. The Atlantic reports that the cost of a service dog is often upwards of $20,000. The only way to bring down this cost is with solid research – and sadly, this field is underfunded. Additional research would help prove (or debunk) that dogs can help people with PTSD recover. Here are some of the hypothesized ways that service dogs can help people with PTSD:

Working with dogs can help people with PTSD feel more aware and in control of their emotions.

Service dogs can boots self-esteem and helps people interact with others.

Training a dog takes a confident and calm demeanor – this helps the person with PTSD keep their stress level in control.

While I don’t have a service dog, I did get my first dog, Daphne (that’s the one licking her chops), when I was going through my first round of therapy for PTSD, depression. My little beagle did wonders for me. Not only did she teach me that I could really, truly love and care for something, she also got me out of my house. She (and now my second pup, Cash (he’s the one with the crazy eyes) are two of the best buddies I’ve ever had, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their presence.

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Image: Chuck Hagel

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