The Consequences Of Occupational Therapy

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Occupational therapy’s roots can be traced back to the military in the early 20th century. Over the past nearly hundred years, occupational therapy has adapted in response to the changing needs of service members. Nowadays, military personnel are returning home from combat with various impairments, injuries, and disabilities. The prevalence of traumatic brain injury among this population is a significant concern. In addition, these individuals may develop comorbid psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Furthermore, symptoms of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder often overlap.

As veterans with these conditions begin transitioning back to civilian life, they must learn how to reintegrate into society. They may experience difficulty adapting to life at home, school, work, or within the community. For example, adjusting to former daily routines, concentrating in the classroom, finding employment, and forming relationships might be challenging. They might also be unable to regulate their emotions and control their impulses. This could have dire consequences during activities such as driving, where unsafe behavior could lead to fatal motor vehicle accidents. Behavioral and emotional changes experienced by …show more content…

Upon discharge, the patient might transition to an acute or subacute inpatient rehabilitation facility, where more intensive occupational therapy would continue to work on improving trunk control, sitting balance, and practicing safe transfers. Occupational therapists would help the patient develop the skills needed for basic self-care activities such as toileting, grooming, bathing, and dressing. Along with teaching the patient how to use adaptive equipment for these activities, they would educate family members on how to help their loved one through

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