Psychoneuroimmunology and occupational therapy for inflammatory disorders

2007

Asian J OT

Ayurveda is an Eastern system of medicine that has been practised for over 5000 years. The relationship between occupations and health is a fundamental aspect of the ayurvedic health model. It could contribute a strong spiritual element to modern occupational therapy practice and may be more culturally appropriate for people with strong Hindu/Buddhist beliefs than modern occupational therapy models. The aim of this paper is therefore to introduce the ayurvedic model to occupational therapists that are unfamiliar with it. It describes assumptions underlying the ayurvedic model and related frames of reference that are relevant to occupational therapy. Yoga is the main occupational therapy intervention advocated by the model. The branches of yoga are described. Other traditional interventions are summarised but not described in detail. Sanskrit terminology has mostly been removed and concepts have been simplified for the ease of a general readership.

Section: Ayurvedic Physiologymentioning

confidence: 82%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Ayurvedic Model of Human Occupation

2007

Asian J OT

“…F39 described herself as "quite British and quite reserved" even when she became angry. This behavioural trait has been associated with poorer prognosis for patients with autoimmune diseases [24]. F39 complained that occasionally as an inpatient she thought the insulin doses she was being given were too high, but healthcare staff did not listen to her and she subsequently became hypoglycaemic.…”

Section: Expression and Communicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interplay between type-1 diabetes and occupation: Results from a pilot study Theoretical paper exploring new treatment technique

Best²,

Cheal

et al. 2016

Asian J OT

Type-1 diabetes results from cessation of endogenous insulin production. Self-management is essential for patients with type-1 diabetes to prevent secondary organ damage and premature death. Self-management may be inhibited by a vast array of psychosocial factors, and therapy is unlikely to be successful unless these factors are identified and addressed. A pilot study of seven patients from Norfolk in the United Kingdom was undertaken to investigate the psychosocial factors interfering with diabetes self-management. Occupational therapy assessments and interventions were provided in an outpatient clinic. Patients' capacities for diabetes self-management were adversely affected by physical and psychological comorbidities, financial hardship and family responsibilities. Health problems resulting from sub-optimal diabetes self-management included visual impairment, lower limb amputation, erectile dysfunction, hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. A combination of these problems impacted on patients' spiritual lives, interpersonal and intimate relationships, employment prospects, finances and personal power, pleasure and security.

Psychoneuroimmunology of infection: implications for occupational therapy

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation

Chow²,

Wilkins

et al. 2011

Background: Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of the interactive relationships between the mind and immune system. This article looks at psychological factors influencing infection susceptibility. A thorough review of the research evidence on this topic is beyond the scope of this article. Recent infection-specific psychoneuroimmunology literature is therefore highlighted and possible underlying mechanisms are summarized. Content: Current evidence shows that susceptibility to infections and allergies can be increased by chronic stress through suppression of the T-helper 1 immune response in favour of a T-helper 2 immune response. Conclusions: Holistic interventions such as stress management, lifestyle changes, and career management could be considered to reduce susceptibility to infection. Further research however is required in this area to contribute to an evidence base underpinning psychosocial interventions for preventative health care.