Dogs Trained to Identify PTSD Flashbacks Through Human Breath

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have trained dogs to detect the onset of flashbacks in individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by analyzing their breath. This development, reported in the journal Frontiers in Allergy, could revolutionize how service dogs assist PTSD patients.

The Science Behind Scent Detection

At Dalhousie University in Canada, a team led by Laura Kiiroja, from the department of psychology and neuroscience, has successfully trained dogs to recognize specific scent markers in the breath of those recalling traumatic events. Human bodies emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through secretions like sweat, and these compounds form a unique “scent profile” that dogs can learn to identify. This capability extends beyond disease detection, such as cancer or signs of medical emergencies like seizures or hypoglycemia, to include psychological states like stress from PTSD flashbacks.

Training Elite Canine Detectors

The research involved training 25 dogs, but only two, named Ivy and Callie, demonstrated the motivation and skill necessary to complete the rigorous training program. These dogs learned to discern between stressed and non-stressed breath samples, achieving an impressive detection accuracy of up to 90%. “Both Ivy and Callie found this work inherently motivating, driven by their keen senses and a strong desire for rewards,” Kiiroja noted, highlighting their dedication to the task.

Detailed Findings and Dog-Specific Skills

After their initial training, further tests were conducted to gauge the accuracy with which Ivy and Callie could identify stress-related VOCs. Ivy reached a 74% accuracy rate, with her detection skills correlating strongly with anxiety-related stress markers. In contrast, Callie achieved 81% accuracy, with her skills linked more to shame-associated stress markers. “Their unique abilities show that even among dogs, individual differences can influence detection capabilities,” explained Kiiroja.

Implications for PTSD Assistance Dogs

The findings from this study suggest that PTSD service dogs could be trained not just to respond to physical and behavioral cues but also to detect chemical signals associated with psychological distress. This would allow them to intervene more proactively during episodes of intense stress or flashbacks, potentially mitigating the effects of PTSD before they fully manifest.