Kozidis S, Jacobson J. Sensory Processing Preferences in an Adult Acute Mental Health Setting: A Retrospective Study.
Am J Occup Ther 2023;
77:7706205030. [PMID:
37948533 DOI:
10.5014/ajot.2023.050270]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE
Sensory processing patterns may inform mental health diagnosis-specific treatment plans.
OBJECTIVE
To compare sensory processing preferences of patients admitted with depression and substance use disorder diagnoses.
DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study.
SETTING
Acute inpatient mental health center.
PARTICIPANTS
Patients ages 18 to 64 yr with a primary diagnosis of depression or substance use disorder who completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP).
OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Comparison of AASP quadrant scores between subgroups.
RESULTS
Participants (n = 211; M age = 33.8 yr) had a primary diagnosis of depression (n = 121; 57%) or substance use disorder (n = 90; 43%). The depression and substance use disorder groups yielded the following AASP quadrant scores, respectively: low registration, Ms = 38.2 and 34.3 (SDs = 9.4 and 8.0), p = .002; sensation seeking, Ms = 46.8 and 50.6 (SDs = 8.1 and 9.1), p = .002; sensory sensitivity, Ms = 43.4 and 39.8 (SDs = 10.3 and 9.9), p = .013; and sensation avoiding, Ms = 45.6 and 40.1 (SDs = 9.5 and 10.3), p < .001. These differences persisted when scores were normalized against standard population scores. The majority with a primary diagnosis of depression ranked "more/much more than most" for low registration (69; 57.0%), sensory sensitivity (61; 50.4%), and sensation avoiding (79; 65.3%). Those with a primary diagnosis of SUD ranked most frequently as "similar to most" in all quadrants.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Sensory processing preferences differ by primary mental health diagnosis and may provide insight into treatment planning. What This Article Adds: This study identifies differences in sensory processing between patients with a primary diagnosis of depression and those with a primary diagnosis of substance use disorder, suggesting that clinical interventions should account for sensory preferences. Providing appropriate sensory experiences (sensory room, sensory boxes, etc.) may allow patients to function at an optimal level by improving their ability to self-regulate emotions and behaviors.
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