Rutgers University study focuses on military vets with PTSD, shows different approach to easing symptoms
Researchers say veterans with PTSD typically dwell in the past, but caring for and spending time on the farm created a new focus on the present.
A new study at Rutgers University focuses on military veterans with PTSD and shows a different kind of approach to easing the symptoms.
U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Erick Petrevich, or "Moose," says he tried a more traditional approach to dealing with his PTSD before discovering the study at Rutgers Equine Center in New Brunswick.
"Being able to work with the horses and be around the horses without having to talk to people was a much more effective way for me to feel calmer," he says.
Researchers who worked on the study say the veterans who participated showed reduced symptoms of PTSD.
"We have psychological treatments, mental health treatments in our program and they're good treatments that help many people. But we also know that not everyone responds to theses treatments and we also know that veterans in particular have a lower response rate," says Andrea Quinn, director of Rutgers Anxiety Disorders Clinic.
Researchers say veterans with PTSD typically dwell in the past, but caring for and spending time on the farm created a new focus on the present.
Moose encourages veterans who might be dealing with the same thing to seek help and find a program that works for them.
Researchers at Rutgers are looking forward to extending their studies and helping more veterans in the future.
