Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Hand Injuries: A Neuro-Occupational View

Abstract

Using the clinical phenomenon of posttraumatic stress disorder related to traumatic hand injuries, this article conceptually explores the theoretical construct of neuro-occupation on the basis of these conditions. Neuro-occupation is an evolving concept that combines knowledge and understanding of occupation with knowledge and understanding of how the human brain functions in environmental context; thus, the concept is important to the core of occupational therapy practice. The first section of the article introduces the concept of neuro-occupation; the second provides an overview of posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic hand injury. To help therapists better understand behavior seen in clinical settings, the third section presents key neuro-occupational processes pertaining to posttraumatic stress disorder, using clinical application examples. Finally, a query about the value of neuro-occupation as a developing theoretical construct is put forth.

Exploring the Nature of the Intention, Meaning and Perception Process of the Neuro‐occupation Model to Understand Adaptation to Change

“…This study was the first attempt to apply the model in more practical use by substantiating the IMP process described in the literature about the neuro‐occupation model proposed by Lohman and Royeen () and Lazzarini () that described the process by which occupational performance occurred in complex occupational human beings. It examined the dynamism of circular causality process in the experience of two resilient individuals and evaluated the effect of perturbance on humans as complex adaptive human systems, thus adding credence to the model.…”

“…Some papers explaining the theoretical concepts of neuro‐occupation described the interdependent relationship between the brain, the nervous system and the intentionality to restore or seek meaningful occupational performance (Walloch, ; Howell, ; Way, ; Gutman and Biel, ; Lohman and Royeen, ) but did not provide research evidence for clinical practice. Walloch () explained the potential benefits of neuro‐occupation as an integral part in designing a treatment programme based on meaningful occupations.…”

“…Gutman and Biel (), in their theoretical paper, explored the role of meaningful occupation, as it mediated states of depression and well‐being within the framework of neuro‐occupation. In order to clear up the link between hand therapy and occupation‐based practice, Lohman and Royeen () conceptually explored the theoretical concept of neuro‐occupation by connecting the clinical phenomenon of post‐traumatic stress disorder with traumatic hand injuries.…”

“…In order to help occupational therapists apply the non‐linearity principles in our profession, Lohman and Royeen () introduced the theoretical concept of neuro‐occupation as “a holistic approach that assumes a model of complexity” (p. 528), which was based on principles of chaos theory and the symbiotic relationship between the brain and engagement in occupation.…”

Chaotic Occupational Therapy: Collective Wisdom for a Complex Profession

“…Thus, variation of key control variables manipulates or changes the operation of the systems or of the entire system, or the occupational complexity (neuro-occupation), of that individual. Neuro-occupation, a term coined by Padilla and Peyton (1997) and used by others (Gutman & Biel, 2001;Howell, 1999;Lohman & Royeen, 2002;Walloch, 1998;Way, 1999) refers to the interactive, interdependent development or symbiosis between the human nervous system and engagement in occupation. Many Slagle lecturers such as Ayres (1963) and Farber (1989) foreshadowed the concept of neuro-occupation in discussing the effect of atypical nervous system activity upon human performance whereas others, such as Reilly (1962), emphasized the reverse, or the effect of purposeful human activity upon health.…”