Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Linking Motor and Process Skills, Sensory Patterns, and Psychiatric Symptoms

Credentials Display

Lola Halperin, Ed.D, OTR/L
Janet Falk-Kessler, Ed.D, OTR, FAOTA

Abstract

Background: Consistent evidence suggests sensory abnormalities and skill deficits in people with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD). Further exploration of their sensory patterns and performance skills is warranted to promote community participation among these individuals.

Method: This study examined sensory patterns and motor and process skills in relationship to psychiatric symptoms in adult patients with SSD. Participants were evaluated using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.

Results: Of the 18 participants, the majority showed sensory differences, deficits in motor and process skills, and the presence of moderate to severe symptoms. There were significant relationships between sensory differences, skill deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. These findings are preliminary because of a small sample.

Conclusion: Sensory patterns and performance skills of individuals with SSD should be routinely evaluated to address their impact on function. Future research regarding this topic requires larger samples.

Comments

This research has been presented at the Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association conference, March 3rd, 2018, in CT; at the Sacred Heart University College of Health Professions Faculty Showcase, May 9th, 2018, in CT; and at the American Occupational Therapy Association conference, April 4th, 2019, in New Orleans, LA.

The authors report they have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Recommended Citation

Halperin, L., & Falk-Kessler, J. (2020). Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Linking Motor and Process Skills, Sensory Patterns, and Psychiatric Symptoms. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 8(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1659