Effects of Physical Limitations on Daily Activities Among Adults With Mental Health Disorders

Opportunities for Nursing and Occupational Therapy Interventions

Gardner, Jennifer OTD, OTR
Swarbrick, Margaret PhD, OT, FAOTA
Ackerman, Ariane MS, OTR
Church, Theodora MS, OTR
Rios, Vanessa MS, OTR
Valente, Laura MS, OTR
Rutledge, John MAS

Dr. Gardner is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Kean University, Union; Dr. Swarbrick, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, Piscataway, and Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey Wellness Institute, Freehold; Ms. Church is Occupational Therapist, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, West Orange; Ms. Rios is Occupational Therapist, Sunny Days Sunshine Center, Manalapan Township; Ms. Valente is Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Children's Specialized Hospital, Mountainside; and Mr. Rutledge is Biostatistician, The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, New Jersey; and Ms. Ackerman is Occupational Therapist, St. Joseph's Medical Center, Yonkers, New York.

The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Address correspondence to Jennifer Gardner, OTD, OTR, Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, EC 224, Union, NJ 07083; e-mail: [email protected].

Received April 19, 2017

Accepted June 22, 2017

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services 55(10):p 45-51, October 01, 2017. | DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20170818-05

Individuals living with mental health disorders served by the public mental health system often face comorbid medical conditions that affect their quality of life and lifespan. The effect of physical limitations on the engagement in daily activities among individuals living with mental health disorders has not been extensively researched. Adults attending community wellness centers (N = 53) in a northeastern United State were included in a descriptive study exploring the impact of physical limitations on daily activities. The activities most frequently affected were: walking or moving around, sleeping, and finding a job. The physical limitations affecting these three activities were lack of energy and pain. Health care professionals, including mental health nurses and occupational therapy practitioners, are in an ideal position to collaborate by evaluating and offering treatment interventions that address physical limitations to positively affect occupational functioning and recovery. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(10), 45–51.]