Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD affects
ones ability to participate in occupations such as self-care, home care, work
roles, and leisure activities. According to the AOTA’s Societal Statement on Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress, OTs can detect signs and symptoms of PTSD early to ensure that military personnel get appropriate intervention and support. They can help military
personnel recover by engaging in meaningful occupations. This includes:
- Conducting an assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses in functional performance considering the Person, environment, occupational factors.
- Developing client centered goals
- Intervention includes:
- Use simulated or virtual reality driving experiences in a safe and controlled environment to help veterans decrease negative mental or physical reactions during driving
- Use a graduated series of desensitization experiences within the context of daily activities
- Use techniques such as relaxation exercises, guided imagery, and visualization to counteract and reduce reactions to disturbing thoughts and images
- Strengthen veterans’ coping skills by identifying activities and behaviors associated with positive outcomes
- Work with veterans to engage in activities that will help them manage depressive symptoms and/or excessive anxiety
- Address issues of substance abuse
- Address issues of cognitive executive function, such as memory, planning or organizational skills using cognitive behavioral strategies
- Assist the individual with learning and developing compensatory strategies to improve performance and maximize independence
- Use task analysis to break down complex tasks into manageable parts. This can be done with ADLs such as bathing and dressing or even balancing a checkbook or returning to work
- Address the environment and veteran’s family and social support. Include families in the process as they can help recognize symptoms that may need professional attention.
- Provide individual sessions focusing on stabilizing symptoms and learning new coping strategies (e.g., sensory-supportive interventions)
- Train clients and caregivers in adaptive self-care strategies to minimize triggering hypersensitivity patterns, dissociation, flooding, or flashbacks
- Help plan and initiate the use of a daily schedule, considering the amount and type of supports necessary for follow through
- Consult with clients and caregivers to determine if home modifications are necessary
- Collaborate with caregivers and other therapists to provide education and additional resources