Sensory processing patterns, coping strategies, and quality of life among patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders

Objective: To compare sensory processing, coping strategies, and quality of life (QoL) in unipolar and bipolar patients; to examine correlations between sensory processing and QoL; and to investigate the relative contribution of sociodemographic characteristics, sensory processing, and coping strategies to the prediction of QoL. Methods: Two hundred sixty-seven participants, aged 16-85 years (53.6±15.7), of whom 157 had a diagnosis of unipolar major depressive disorder and 110 had bipolar disorder type I and type II, completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced, and 12-item Short-Form Health Survey version 2. The two groups were compared with multivariate analyses. Results: The unipolar and bipolar groups did not differ concerning sensory processing, coping strategies, or QoL. Sensory processing patterns correlated with QoL independently of mediation by coping strategies. Correlations between low registration, sensory sensitivity, sensation avoidance, and reduced QoL were found more frequently in unipolar patients than bipolar patients. Higher physical QoL was mainly predicted by lower age and lower sensory sensitivity, whereas higher mental QoL was mainly predicted by coping strategies. Conclusion: While age may predict physical QoL, coping strategies predict mental QoL. Future studies should further investigate the impact of sensory processing and coping strategies on patients’ QoL in order to enhance adaptive and functional behaviors related to affective disturbances.

Sensory processing disorders among substance dependents / Alterações no processamento sensorial entre dependentes químicos

PURPOSE: (1) To compare sensory processing patterns as expressed in daily life between substance dependents and typical controls; (2) profile the prevalence of sensory processing disorders (SPD) among substance dependents; and (3) examine gender effect on SPD within and between groups. METHODS: Two hundred ninety people aged 19-64 participated in this study. The study group included 145 individuals who lived in the community or took part in an outpatient program because of addiction to drugs/alcohol and had been clean for over three months. The control group included 145 individuals who were not exposed to drugs or alcohol on a regular basis and did not suffer from addictive behavior. All participants filled a demographic questionnaire. Those who met the inclusion criteria completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) so that their sensory processing patterns could be assessed. RESULTS: When comparing both groups, the study group showed greater sensory sensitivity and significantly higher prevalence of SPD. Significant group/gender interaction was found in regard to sensation seeking. DISCUSSION: SPD among substance dependents may be expressed in daily life by either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity. The behavioral outcomes reflected by the AASP support neurophysiological manifestations about SPD of substance dependents. The evaluation process of substance dependents should refer to their sensory processing abilities. In case SPD is diagnosed, Occupational Therapy and specific sensory-based interventions should be considered in order to fit the specific needs of individuals and enhance their performance, meaningful participation, and quality of life

OBJETIVO: (1) Comparar os padrões do processamento sensorial em atividades cotidianas de dependentes de substâncias psicoativas e de participantes do grupo controle típico. (2) Delinear a prevalência dos transtornos de processamento sensorial (SPD) entre dependentes de substâncias psicoativas. (3) Examinar a influência do gênero nos SPD. MÉTODOS: Participaram 290 pessoas com idade entre 19 e 64 anos. O grupo incluiu 145 indivíduos com histórico de dependência de drogas/álcool que viviam na comunidade ou que participavam de um programa ambulatorial e estavam abstinentes há mais de três meses. O grupo controle incluiu 145 indivíduos que não estiveram expostos a drogas ou álcool regularmente e não apresentavam sintomas de dependência química. Todos os participantes preencheram um questionário demográfico. Aqueles que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão completaram o protocolo Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) a fim de que seus padrões de processamento sensorial pudessem ser avaliados. RESULTADOS: O grupo de estudo apresentou maior sensibilidade sensorial e prevalência significativamente maior dos SPD. Uma interação significativa entre sexo e grupo foi encontrada em relação à busca de sensações. DISCUSSÃO: Os SPD podem manifestar-se nas atividades cotidianas, entre dependentes de substâncias psicoativas, por hipersensibilidade ou hipossensibilidade. Os resultados comportamentais refletidos pelo AASP corroboram às manifestações neurofisiológicas associadas aos SPD em dependentes de substâncias psicoativas. Os processos de avaliação devem considerar as habilidades de processamento sensorial. Quando um SPD for diagnosticado, intervenções sensoriais específicas devem ser consideradas, a fim de atender às necessidades do indivíduo e melhorar seu desempenho, participação e qualidade de vida