MADISON GARTMAN, OTS FULTON STATE HOSPITAL BIGGS MAXIMUM SECURITY UNIT Sensory Integration

What is Sensory Integration? eature=player_embedded eature=player_embedded

Possible Interventions Weighted vests, blankets, and animals  Compression vest Body socks Stress balls Music Art Activities related to client’s interest Attending comfort room

Research Clients who experience:  Lack of sleep and increased agitation  Relaxation videotape prior bedtime Sleep habits and overall mood improved  Self-harm to manage distress  Snapping a rubber band against one’s wrist, holding ice in hand, or biting into a lemon Symptoms improved  Anxiety disorders  Progressive relaxation and deep breathing techniques Improved mood  Agitated behaviors  Application of lemon balm to the face and arms on a daily basis were found to be effective  Compression vests

Survey for Current NOP Client at BIGGS

Current NOP Client at BIGGS

Current NOP Clients at BIGGS

Do you think the sensory tool helps?  Majority: Yes  4 – No; 2 – Sometimes; 12 – Yes  Responses include:  Wt blanket helps me sleep  Keeps me warm, calm  I use it [wt animal] for looks on my bed  Sometimes helps  I use stress balls when I’m nervous  Wt vest would help calm me down vs. eating a bunch of ice  I like the weight on my chest  **I sometimes act out so staff has to hold me down… the pressure calms me down. I think a vest would help keep me calm.

What does this mean? Clients may not realize the purpose of utilization  Educate client and staff Is the sensory diet client specific?  Not all clients need a wt blanket Document and analyze client’s pre- and post behaviors  Has the behavior improved since intervention?

References Ben-Avi, N., Almagor, M., & Engel-Yeger, B. (2012). Sensory processing difficulties and interpersonal relationships in adults: an exploratory study. Psychology, 3(1), doi: /psych Champagne, T., & Stromberg, N. (2004). Sensory approaches in inpatient psychiatric settings: innovative alternatives to seclusion & restraint. Journal Of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 42(9), 34. Cummings, K., Grandfield, S., & Coldwell, C. (2010). Caring with comfort rooms: reducing seclusion and restraint use in psychiatric facilities. Journal Of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 48(6), doi: / Mailloux, Z., Mulligan, S., Roley, S., Blanche, E., Cermak, S., Coleman, G., &... Lane, C. (2011). Verification and Clarification of Patterns of Sensory Integrative Dysfunction. American Journal Of Occupational Therapy, 65(2), doi: /ajot SPD Life. (2010). SPD symptoms. Retrieved June 15, 2013, from Sensory-Processing-Disorder. Sensory processing disorder checklist: signs and symptoms of dysfunction. Retrieved June 15, 2013, from The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile: User's manual. Brown, C. & Dunn, W. The Psychological Corporation: San Antonio, TX, 2002.