This paper briefly describes the theoretical framework of sensory integrative treatment, as it was originally developed by Ayres, and used with perceptually handicapped children. The results of testing and observations by several authors, which reveal sensory integrative and perceptual disturbances in schizophrenics, are outlined. King's model of personality development and the theoretical concepts underlying the application of sensory integrative treatment to schizophrenics are presented. Lack of empirical evidence and standardized tests are found to be the difficulties in establishing the effectiveness of the use of sensory integration in the treatment of the schizophrenic patient.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AyresA.J.: Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders, Western Psychological Services, Los Angeles, 1977.
2.
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 2nd edition, American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC, 1968.
3.
KingL.J.: A sensory integrative approach to schizophrenia. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 28: 529–536, 1974.
4.
SchilderP.: The vestibular apparatus in neurosis and psychosis. Journal of Nervous Mental Disorders, 78: 137–164, 1933.
5.
RitvoE.OonitsE.M.: Neurophysiologic and biochemical abnormalities in infantile autism and childhood schizophrenia. Paper presentend at the 47th Meeting of the American Orthopsychiatric Association, 1970.
6.
HoltzmanP.: Perceptual dysfunction in the schizophrenic syndrome. Schizophrenic Reactions, Brunner/Magel, New York, 1970.
7.
KingL.J.: Sensory integration as a broad spectrum treatment approach in mental health. Workshop presented by the Kingston branch of Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists, Queens University, May 26, 27, 1978.
8.
AyresA.J.HeskettW.M.: Sensory integrative dysfunction in a young schizophrenic girl. Journal of Autism and Child Schizophrenia: 174–181, 1972.
9.
OrnitzE.M.: Vestibular dysfunction in schizophrenia and childhood autism. Compr Psychologist, 11: 159–173, 1970.
10.
FeldenkraisM.: Body and Mature Behavior — Anxiety, Sex, Gravitation, and Learning, International Universities Press, New York, 1966.
11.
GellhornE.: Principles of Autonomic Somatic, Integrations, University of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis, 1967.
12.
HeathR.G.: Schizophrenia, and organic concept. Schizophrenia: Medcon-Roenig, New York, 1972.
13.
EndlerP.: Postural and refles integration in schizophrenic patients. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 32: 1978.
14.
HuddlestonC.I.: Differentiation between process and reactive schizophrenia based on vestibular reactivity, grasp strength, and posture. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 32: 1987.
15.
RiderB.A.: Sensorimotor treatment of chromic schizophrenics. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 32: 1978.
