The incidence of sensory integration problems in a distinct sample of individuals with disorders characterised by symptoms of psychosis

Abstract

Background: Individuals with psychosis present with functional problems that impact negatively on their occupational performance. The framework of sensory integration provides for the assessment and treatment of occupational performance problems related to functions supported by the sensory systems.

Methods: The prevalence of sensory integration problems of individuals with disorders characterised by symptoms of psychosis was investigated by using a descriptive study design. Forty-nine (49) adult individuals with symptoms of psychosis admitted to acute wards of a psychiatric institution in South Africa participated in the study. The sensory integration functions of the individuals were established using the Schroeder, Block and Campbell Adult Psychiatric Sensory Integration Evaluation (SBC).

Results: The results indicated that the individuals with disorders characterised by symptoms of psychosis experienced sensory integration problems.

Conclusion: The prevalence of sensory integration problems found in this study warrants further research with regards to the effect of sensory integration intervention on the mental health care user with disorders characterised by symptoms of psychosis.