3.
Occupational therapy
Psychiatry and psychosomatics are now one of the largest medical and therapeutic fields, in which occupational therapy can contribute its specialist skills and techniques very effectively. In this context, it deals with patients of all ages and with a wide range of psychiatric and psychosocial disorders, impairments, and temporary or chronic conditions.
The wide range of psychiatric disorders includes anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, stress-related and adjustment disorders, as well as personality and behavioural disorders. This also includes mood disorders such as depression and mania, psychoses, and substance use disorders – ranging from alcohol, drug and medication dependence to gambling and media addiction. At different stages of patients’ lives, age-related conditions may also arise; these may include developmental and behavioural disorders that first appear in childhood and adolescence, or – frequently in older people – dementia syndromes and multiple conditions.
Unfortunately, finding a place for psychotherapy is often difficult and involves long periods of waiting. Occupational therapy can be very helpful in stabilising, supporting and bridging the gap. During this phase, work can be done on current symptoms, ensuring that patients receive the best possible support whilst they wait.
Is your request related to occupational therapy and can be covered free of charge* via a prescription from your health insurance?
*plus, the statutory co-payment (gesetzliche Zuzahlung) required by your health insurance
The following areas can be treated in accordance with the catalogue of therapeutic
interventions for occupational therapy:
Psychological-functional treatment (PS) is designed to provide targeted therapy for illness-related impairments of mental functions. This applies in particular to psychosocial, emotional and psychomotor functions, as well as perceptual functions, and the resulting impairments to activities and, where applicable, participation.
Problems relating to couples and relationships, as well as sexuality, are often accompanying symptoms to which particular importance may be attached in occupational therapy treatment.
Diagnostic group PS1 Mental disorders | Disorders with onset in childhood and
adolescence
Developmental disorders; behavioural and emotional disorders with onset in childhood and adolescence
For example:
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Depressive disorder
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Anxiety disorders
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Social behaviour disorder
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Gender dysphoria
Identify the main symptoms:
a) Impairments to overall mental functions, e.g. mental stability, self-confidence, impulse control, temperament & personality
b) Impairment of specific mental functions, e.g. emotional functions, self-awareness, body schema
c) patient-specific symptoms
You can find more information here.
Diagnostic group PS2 Neurotic, stress-related, somatoform and personality disorders
For example:
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Relationship crises
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Live crises (more)
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Acute stress reaction (more)
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Burn out syndrome (more)
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (more)
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Panic attacks/disorders (more)
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Anxiety disorders
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Adjustment disorders
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Eating disorders
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Obsessive-compulsive disorders, e.g. compulsive sexual behaviour
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Erectile dysfunction and loss of libido caused by psychological stress
As well as somatoform disorders involving physical symptoms with no organic cause.
Identify the main symptoms:
a) Impairments to overall mental functions, e.g. mental stability, self-confidence, impulse control, temperament & personality
b) Impairment of specific mental functions, e.g. emotional functions, self-awareness, body image
c) patient-specific symptoms
You can find more information here.
Diagnostic group PS3 Delusional and affective disorders / Substance-related disorders
For example:
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Mood disorders, e.g. depressive disorders, mania, bipolar disorder
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Mental and behavioural disorders caused by psychoactive substances
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Dependency syndrome, also relationship dependency
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Addiction disorders – addictions in all forms (alcohol, opioids, cannabinoids, sedatives, hypnotics, cocaine, nicotine, etc.)
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ChemSEX (more)
Identify the main symptoms:
a) Impairments of global mental functions, e.g. quality of consciousness, psychosocial functions, drive (sexual), temperament & personality
b) Impairment of specific mental functions, e.g. attention, psychomotor skills, behaviour, emotional functions, self-awareness
c) patient-specific symptoms
You can find more information here.
The objectives of the therapy are as follows:
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Improved relationship skills
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Improved sexual function
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Improved ability to cope with everyday life
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Improved situational awareness, including socio-emotional skills and interpersonal skills
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Improved daily routine
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Improved resilience and endurance