Evidence for OT: In-Home Occupational Therapy Curbs Depression in Visually Impaired Patients

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Findings from a recent study in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, suggest that in-home occupational therapy reduces the rate and severity of depression in people with impaired vision. 

Researchers compared depression risk scores for two treatment groups: occupational therapy (6 sessions focused on performance of activities that participants rated as difficult and important), and supportive therapy (an equal number of talk therapy sessions with a social worker). 

A greater reduction in depression risk score was observed for the occupational therapy treatment group, and only 12% of participants in this group reported worsening of symptoms, compared to 26% for the the supportive therapy group. 

According to  Ashley Deemer, O.D., instructor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, “It is good practice not only to refer low vision patients to a mental health expert, but to also suggest low vision rehabilitation and occupational therapy, which could have a huge impact on our patients’ lives.”

Read the full story from Johns Hopkins Medicine