Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Debra Hanson

Keywords

Eating disorders -- therapy; Stress Disorders, Post-traumatic -- therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop an occupation-based occupational therapy program for the dual diagnosis of an eating disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder for use in an outpatient setting. A literature review was conducted to identify the challenges associated with the assessment and treatment of eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. The literature supports the need for occupation-based interventions, especially in the areas of self-care, meal planning and preparation, sleep and rest, leisure, and various life skills. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, an occupation-based program guide was developed. The guide provides structure for group and individual sessions for clients in the occupational areas of self-care, general life skills (management of stress, time, the home, or finances), meal planning and preparation, sleep and rest, leisure, and social exploration. The product is unique in that each activity provides the client with the opportunity to reflect on feelings, beliefs, habits, routines, and self-perception related to occupational performance. This program will guide occupational therapists in the treatment of clients with the dual diagnosis of an eating disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder with the goal of improving quality of life through education and practice of life skills strategies in the context of daily occupations.

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