N/A
Completed N=63
Trauma-Focused Equine-Assisted Therapy (TF-EAT) for Veterans With PTSD
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03068325 ↗Enrolled (actual)
63
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Apr 2025
Primary outcomePrimary: Change From Baseline in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale at 8 Weeks — 38.6; 26.9 score on a scale
Summary
This study seeks to examine feasibility, acceptability, safety, and preliminary efficacy of Equine-Assisted Therapy for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (EAT-PTSD). While several well-studied, validated treatments for PTSD exist, some individuals find these treatments ill-suited, ineffective, or undesirable. EAT is an alternative therapy widely used by organizations, such as PATH International Equine Services, that endorse its effectiveness for treating a variety of mental health issues. These claims have drawn criticism because the published research contains glaring methodological flaws, making it difficult to assess how effective these therapies actually are (Anestis et al., 2014). Equine-assisted therapies present a unique treatment modality that might effectively treat PTSD, particularly for individuals who have difficulty with other treatment modalities. In EAT, a psychotherapist and equine specialist work together to help the patients negotiate interactions with a horse using structured interventions or activities.
Outcome Measures
| Outcome | Result | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY Change From Baseline in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale at 8 Weeks |
38.6; 26.9 | — |
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Between the ages of 18 and 70
- Current DSM-5 diagnosis of PTSD as determined by a) full criteria met on CAPS, and b) clinical assessment
- Able to give consent, fluent in English
Exclusion Criteria
- History of psychiatric diagnosis of psychotic disorder, unstable bipolar disorder
- Elevated depression of clinical concern and/or score of >25 on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression
- At elevated risk for suicide based on history and current mental state
- History of substance/alcohol use disorder at severe level within the past six months, and current diagnosis of substance/alcohol use disorder at a moderate level within past two months
- Fear of horses or other large animals
- Orthopedic or other physical conditions and/or limitations that prevent people from walking unassisted and/or walking freely in the ring.
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03068325). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication. Informational only — not medical advice.