Occupational therapy and posttraumatic stress disorder: A scoping review

Abstract

Background.: People who are diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can experience disruptions in their daily occupations. Occupational therapists may assist clients with PTSD to reengage in meaningful occupations.

Purpose.: This scoping review aims to identify and describe the ways occupational therapy addresses PTSD in clinical practice.

Method.: Scholarly databases were searched for documents relating to occupational therapy and PTSD. Two reviewers independently applied selection criteria and systematically extracted information. Data were extracted and synthesized in a narrative format.

Findings.: Fifty sources met inclusion criteria and three major themes were identified: recognizing trauma within specific populations, PTSD's impact on a range of occupations, and occupational therapy's response to PTSD.

Implications.: Occupational therapists are working in multidisciplinary teams to reduce the impact of PTSD on the daily occupations of their clients. More effectiveness studies are required to understand the outcomes of occupational therapy interventions for clients with PTSD.

Keywords: Difficultés relatives au rendement occupationnel; Ergothérapie; Multidisciplinary team; Occupational performance issues; Occupational therapy; Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Stress opérationnel; Traumatisme; Équipe multidisciplinaire.