Can a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) Help With Anxiety?

Yes, a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) can effectively help manage anxiety and other related conditions by performing specific, trained tasks that mitigate symptoms of a diagnosed disability. They are different from emotional support animals (ESAs) because PSDs are specifically trained to perform a job, not just provide comfort through their presence.

How PSDs Help With Anxiety? PSDs are individually trained to perform tasks tailored to their handler's specific needs. These tasks go beyond companionship and provide tangible support:

Alerting to Oncoming Episodes: Dogs can be trained to sense physiological changes (like changes in heart rate, scent, or breathing patterns) that indicate an impending anxiety or panic attack, and then alert their handler so they can take preventative action.

Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT): The dog may apply its body weight by lying across the handler's lap, chest, or abdomen to provide a calming, "grounding" effect that helps alleviate anxiety and regulate the nervous system.

Interrupting Repetitive or Harmful Behaviors: The dog can be trained to nudge, paw, or lick its owner to distract them from anxious thought loops, obsessive-compulsive actions, or self-harm behaviors.Creating a Safety Barrier: In crowded or overwhelming public spaces, the dog can be trained to stand in a specific position to create a physical buffer, giving the handler.