OT in Mental Health: History and Foundational Concepts (Ch 1)

A set of Q&A flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1: History and Foundational Concepts in OT for Mental Health, including definitions of mental health and illness, historical eras, legislation, and core OT theories and roles.

What is the WHO definition of mental health?

A state of well-being in which every individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to contribute to their community.

How does the APA define mental disorder?

A syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning, usually with distress or disability.

What life areas can OT help with in mental health?

Caring for oneself (self-care), working/being productive, engaging in relationships, and pursuing leisure.

How does occupation relate to mental health in OT practice?

OT uses occupation to give meaning, purpose, and direction; occupations require attention and energy and can help reverse the negative cycle of inactivity and disease.

What is person-first language and why is it used in mental health?

Language that puts the person before the diagnosis (e.g., “person with mental disorder”) to reduce stigma.

What is another term used besides mental health/illness/disorder?

Mental health problems.

What was the Moral Era in psychiatry about?

A pivotal period where moral treatment emphasized respect for individuals, regular routines, and the opportunity to contribute to society; OT arose from this movement.

What daily activities did early moral treatment hospitals provide?

A prescribed routine for hygiene, craft work, recreation, and regular meals; employment included kitchen upkeep, laundry, cleaning, maintenance, and building repair.

What did the Community Mental Health Act of 1963 aim to do?

Establish community-based treatment facilities and move clients from institutional settings to community living, with symptom management through medication.

What is deinstitutionalization?

The release of individuals from institutions into communities that often lacked adequate resources to meet their needs.

What is transinstitutionalization?

Movement of chronic psychiatric patients from psychiatric hospitals to settings like jail, prison, or nursing homes rather than to the community.

What is epigenetics?

The study of events and circumstances that mediate gene expression, which can be prenatal or occur after birth due to disease, stress, trauma, or environmental exposures.

What imaging modalities became common in the 1990s to study the brain?

PET, CT, and MRI scans.

What is the psychiatric rehabilitation movement?

An approach using evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral rehabilitation and wellness recovery, including IPPRT in NY.

What is NAMI and what does it advocate for?

National Alliance for Mental Illness; advocates for policy changes, reduced stigma, better housing and community care, supported employment, and culturally competent healthcare.

What is the Recovery movement in mental health?

A approach recognizing that people can recover from mental disorders with time and support, emphasizing person-centered care, self-determination, and restored functioning beyond symptom management.

What do MHPA and MHPAEA stand for and what do they do?

MHPA (1996) Mental Health Parity Act requires insurance to reimburse mental health care the same as physical health care; MHPAEA (2008) closes loopholes to strengthen parity.

What did the Affordable Care Act (2010) include regarding mental health?

Coverage for substance abuse treatment under the law.

Name some OT practice models and approaches mentioned in the notes.

Model of Human Occupation (MOHO); Sensory Integration/Sensory Processing; Claudia Allen's cognitive disabilities; remediation vs. compensation; narrative reasoning; occupational science.

What is the role of OT/OTA collaboration in mental health?

A collaborative partnership with clear roles and responsibilities; demonstrates service competence and delivers skilled, value-adding services to clients.