Acute Mental Health Occupational Therapy flashcards

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia

• Definition: A chronic and severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior.

• Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and negative symptoms.

• Occupational Therapy Interventions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, and environmental adaptations.

Schizoaffective Disorder

• Definition: A mental disorder characterized by a combination of schizophrenia symptoms and mood disorder symptoms.

• Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, mood disturbances.

• Occupational Therapy Interventions: Similar to schizophrenia, focus on managing symptoms and improving daily functioning.

Psychotic Depression

• Definition: A severe depressive disorder accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions.

• Symptoms: Persistent sadness, hallucinations, delusions, changes in sleep or appetite.

• Occupational Therapy Interventions: Collaborative goal setting, activity scheduling, cognitive restructuring.

Depression

• Definition: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest or pleasure in activities.

• Symptoms: Persistent low mood, loss of interest, changes in appetite or sleep.

• Occupational Therapy Interventions: Activity planning, behavioral activation, relaxation techniques.

Dementia

• Definition: A progressive decline in cognitive function due to damage or disease in the brain.

• Symptoms: Memory loss, impaired judgment, difficulty with language or motor skills.

• Occupational Therapy Interventions: Memory aids, environmental modifications, caregiver education.

Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar Affective Disorder

• Definition: A mood disorder characterized by periods of extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression).

• Symptoms: Manic episodes, depressive episodes, mood swings.

• Occupational Therapy Interventions: Mood monitoring, energy conservation techniques, coping skills training.

Psychosis

• Definition: A mental state characterized by a loss of contact with reality, often including hallucinations or delusions.

• Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking.

• Occupational Therapy Interventions: Reality orientation, sensory modulation, social skills training.

Anxiety

• Definition: A mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease that are persistent and excessive.

• Symptoms: Excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating.

• Occupational Therapy Interventions: Relaxation techniques, exposure therapy, stress management.

Comorbidities:

• Diabetes, Cancer, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Autism, Fragility, Parkinson's, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, Hip/Knee operations.

ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)

• A medical treatment for severe mental illness involving brief electrical stimulation of the brain.

VdT MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment)

VdTMoCA is an OT model that considers ‘Personal Management’, ‘Work Ability’, ‘Use of Free Time’ and ‘Social Ability’.

A ‘Task Assessment’ identifies the individual’s level of functioning within the
model .

 

Adapting Communication:

• Be Patient: Allow time for individuals to process information and respond.

• Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon and complex explanations.

• Nonverbal Cues: Pay attention to body language and tone of voice.

• Respect Personal Space: Be mindful of boundaries and personal preferences.

• Provide Visual Aids: Use diagrams or written instructions to supplement verbal communication.

• Active Listening: Show empathy and understanding through attentive listening.

Mental Health Act (MHA):

• Definition: The Mental Health Act is legislation that provides the legal framework for the care and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders. It outlines the circumstances under which individuals can be detained, assessed, and treated without their consent if they are deemed to be a risk to themselves or others.

• Application in Practice: As an occupational therapy student on an inpatient mental health ward, you will need to understand the provisions of the Mental Health Act to ensure that patients' rights are upheld while receiving care. This includes understanding the criteria for involuntary admission, the process for assessment and treatment under the Act, and the rights of patients to appeal decisions regarding their care.

Mental Capacity Act (MCA):

• Definition: The Mental Capacity Act is legislation that provides a legal framework for making decisions on behalf of individuals who may lack the capacity to make their own decisions due to a mental health condition or impairment.

• Application in Practice: In your role, you may encounter patients who lack the capacity to make decisions about their care and treatment. The Mental Capacity Act guides your practice in assessing capacity, making decisions in the best interests of patients, and involving their families or carers in the decision-making process where appropriate. You'll need to ensure that any interventions or treatments provided respect the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence outlined in the Act.

Medications

• Common Medications:

  • Antipsychotics: Used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders. Examples include risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine.

  • Antidepressants: Prescribed for depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood disorders. Examples include fluoxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine.

  • Mood Stabilizers: Used to stabilize mood fluctuations in bipolar disorder. Examples include lithium, valproate, and lamotrigine.

  • Anxiolytics: Prescribed for anxiety disorders. Examples include lorazepam, diazepam, and alprazolam.

Med management

• Management:

  • Familiarize yourself with common medications, including their indications, dosages, and potential side effects.

  • Monitor patients for any adverse reactions or changes in symptoms.

  • Educate patients about their medications, including proper dosage and potential side effects.

  • Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive medication management and adherence support.

OT interventions:

• Reminiscence Therapy: Using past experiences to stimulate memory and improve mood in individuals with dementia.

• Reality Orientation: Providing cues and reminders about time, place, and person to help individuals with dementia maintain orientation.

• Functional Skills Training: Helping older adults with mental health issues develop or regain skills necessary for independent living, such as activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

• Sensory Stimulation: Using sensory activities to engage older adults with mental health issues and improve their overall well-being.

• Environmental Modifications: Adapting the environment to support older adults with mental health issues, such as reducing clutter, improving lighting, and ensuring safety.

Diabetes:

• Definition: A chronic condition characterized by high levels of blood glucose (sugar) resulting from the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin.

• Occupational Therapy Considerations:

  • Educate patients about diabetic management techniques, including blood sugar monitoring and medication adherence.

  • Address lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise to promote diabetes management and prevent complications.

  • Assist in developing strategies to manage fatigue or neuropathy that may impact daily activities.

Cancer:

• Definition: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body.

• Occupational Therapy Considerations:

  • Provide support for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, including coping strategies for managing pain, fatigue, and emotional distress.

  • Address functional limitations resulting from cancer treatment, such as weakness, range of motion deficits, and lymphedema.

  • Collaborate with the healthcare team to facilitate a gradual return to meaningful activities and roles during and after treatment.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):

• Definition: Damage to the brain caused by an external force, resulting in temporary or permanent impairment of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functioning.

• Occupational Therapy Considerations:

  • Assess and address cognitive deficits such as memory problems, attention deficits, and executive dysfunction.

  • Provide rehabilitation interventions to improve motor skills, balance, and coordination.

  • Collaborate with the individual, family, and caregivers to develop compensatory strategies and support systems to promote independence and community reintegration.

Autism:

• Definition: A developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

• Occupational Therapy Considerations:

  • Focus on sensory integration techniques to address sensory processing difficulties commonly associated with autism.

  • Implement strategies to improve social skills and communication, such as social stories, visual supports, and role-playing activities.

  • Collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create structured environments and routines that support the individual's needs.

Fragility:

• Definition: Fragility refers to a state of vulnerability to physical harm or injury due to factors such as aging, chronic illness, or frailty.

• Occupational Therapy Considerations:

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify risk factors for falls and implement fall prevention strategies, such as home modifications and balance training exercises.

  • Provide education on safe mobility techniques and adaptive equipment to promote independence and reduce the risk of injury.

  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to address underlying health conditions contributing to fragility and optimize overall well-being.

Parkinson's Disease:

• Definition: A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and rigidity.

• Occupational Therapy Considerations:

  • Address functional limitations related to activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, eating, and grooming, through adaptive techniques and environmental modifications.

  • Implement strategies to improve fine motor control, coordination, and balance to enhance mobility and safety.

  • Provide education and support to individuals and caregivers on medication management, energy conservation techniques, and fall prevention strategies.

Osteoporosis:

• Definition: A condition characterized by low bone density and increased risk of fractures due to weakened bones.

• Occupational Therapy Considerations:

  • Educate individuals on strategies to minimize the risk of falls and fractures, such as proper body mechanics, home safety modifications, and balance exercises.

  • Provide guidance on weight-bearing exercises and activities to promote bone health and maintain muscle strength and flexibility.

  • Collaborate with healthcare providers to address pain management and implement interventions to improve functional mobility and independence.

Arthritis:

• Definition: A group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

• Occupational Therapy Considerations:

  • Provide joint protection techniques and adaptive equipment to reduce strain on affected joints during activities of daily living (ADLs) and work tasks.

  • Implement pain management strategies, such as heat/cold therapy, splinting, and gentle exercises, to improve comfort and function.

  • Collaborate with individuals to develop personalized exercise programs and lifestyle modifications to maintain joint mobility and overall well-being.

Hip/Knee Operations:

• Definition: Surgical procedures performed to repair or replace damaged hip or knee joints due to injury, arthritis, or other conditions.

• Occupational Therapy Considerations:

  • Facilitate early mobilization and rehabilitation following surgery to restore range of motion, strength, and functional independence.

  • Provide education on post-operative precautions, activity modifications, and home exercise programs to support recovery and prevent complications.

  • Collaborate with the surgical team and other rehabilitation professionals to optimize outcomes and promote successful rehabilitation after hip or knee operations.