Mental health experts are currently testing out various treatment methods and therapy procedures that would effectively alleviate the symptoms or reverse the conditions of schizophrenia. One of those that have emerged from these research efforts is occupational therapy. Find out more below what are the various components that made experts consider this as a possible treatment option for schizophrenia.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is emerging as one of the leading options to treat patients of mental disorders today, notably schizophrenia and dementia. The concept of occupational therapy involve guiding patients towards doing certain activities to enable them to learn new skills. Meanwhile, these activities are focused around building positive attitude to focus on self-improvement.
The use of occupational therapy for mental health is not a new concept, though. In fact, it has been used by mental health facilities and senior living centers from all over the country. It is also beneficial that patients enjoy undergoing occupational therapy as part of their treatment program since it is rare to find patients embrace a particular method of treatment. The biggest benefit it brings to the patient is the ability to affect one’s perspective and turn it into something positive.
Recovery for Schizophrenia Patients
How does occupational therapy help in leading towards recovery? It is basically simple – the use of creative outlet opens up door to boost the patient’s confidence until it leads to greater recovery. Whenever a patient is able to learn or adapt new skills, it boosts their pride. But the ability to obtain new skills is the biggest reward of all.
The patients are therefore guided by a professional to ensure that each step of the project are carefully worked through. The patient must focus on the individual task given to them. Aside from the technical skills, they will also learn some important qualities such as patience and tolerance for frustrations. The ability to help patients to start believing in themselves is indeed the first step to recovery.
Benefits of Using Occupational Therapy
To make it clear and to better understand why it is important to consider occupational therapy as a treatment option for patients of schizophrenia, here are the benefits one can enjoy:
• It can improve the patient’s concept of self-image and quality of life.
• It promotes positive attitude and belief in self.
• It builds awareness for patients of schizophrenia that they can resolve problems by adapting a step by step procedure.
• It can also bring help to the families of patients.
Methods and Techniques to Use
There are several methods used by experts to employ occupational therapy on patients. It usually involves worthwhile pursuits such as undertaking craft project wherein they can develop new skills while building other positive attributes that would help them cope with their condition. All activities are also designed to keep their mind active all the time, which helps to restore normal function. All of these activities are focused on nurturing the mind in a positive and enriching way.
The use of occupational therapy in mental facilites delve deeper into this concept though. The objective here is to reinforce the neutral pathways of the brain to achieve better mental health for patients of schizophrenia.