National Sensory Network

Sensory Processing and Psychiatric Conditions

If you work with individuals with psychiatric conditions, then you also work with people with sensory processing differences. The role of sensory processing in psychiatric conditions is not fully understood, but research confirms links. Brown et al (2020) reviewed the results of five studies focusing on the sensory processing of participants with different mental illnesses, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, ‘early psychosis’ and posttraumatic-stress disorder. The results of these studies indicate that sensory processing patterns of individuals with mental health problems differ from those of the normative sample.

More recently, a 2022 paper examined the sensory processing patterns of adolescent and adult individuals with a broad spectrum of different psychiatric conditions and found that ‘sensory processing difficulties can be considered as a non-specific transdiagnostic phenotype associated with a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions.’ 

More research is needed into condition-specific sensory-based interventions targeting a person’s specific sensory needs, but a good start is for staff to learn more about sensory processing and how to support patients’ sensory needs. 

Making Mental Health Settings More Sensory-Friendly

The National Sensory Network evolved out of an NHS England project to improve individuals' experience on inpatient mental health wards. The Sensory Friendly Inpatient Environments project, run in collaboration with Advonet, Bradford Foundation District Care Trust and Leeds and York Foundation Partnership Trust, recognised that inpatient environments can have a detrimental effect on autistic people and are not designed to support individual unique sensory profiles. In the past, this has led to longer lengths of stay and increased use of practice.

A report, It’s Not Rocket Science, offered suggestions for meeting the sensory needs of autistic children and young people in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) inpatient environments. Written by the National Development Team for Inclusion, the report is informed by autistic experience and by what autism 'feels like from the inside' and is based on the experiences of children and young people who have experienced CAMHS inpatient environments. 

The full report is rich in detail and the varied experiences of autistic people and recognises the need to personalise support and accommodations to the differing sensory needs of individuals:

"We believe that understanding and meeting sensory needs will reduce distress caused and reduce the use of restrictive practices. It will support providers to 'advance equality' for people they are serving. This report focuses on recommendations that will neutralise the sensory environment. Some people are sensory seeking and will benefit from more sensory input. It is as necessary as ever to tailor support and personal spaces to meet individual need." (It's Not Rocket Science, p14)

In mental health settings, unrecognised sensory processing issues can exacerbate symptoms of mental illness and hinder therapeutic progress. For instance, a resident with hypersensitivity to light or sound may experience heightened anxiety or agitation in a brightly lit or noisy environment. Conversely, someone with sensory-seeking behaviours may become restless or disruptive if not provided with adequate sensory stimulation.

Healthcare providers trained in sensory integration and processing can develop individualised care plans that address specific sensory needs by conducting thorough assessments of sensory processing profiles. This might include modifying the environment, such as adjusting lighting and noise levels, providing sensory tools and activities, and incorporating sensory integration therapies into treatment plans.

Have a look at this article, Creating Sensory Friendly Environments in Adult Mental Health Settings, by Leanne Duggan, Occupational Therapist and Advanced SI Practitioner. 

Understanding sensory processing can also facilitate better communication and trust between residents and caregivers. When residents feel that their sensory needs are acknowledged and respected, they are more likely to engage in therapeutic activities and adhere to treatment plans. This approach fosters a more supportive and healing environment, ultimately leading to better mental health outcomes.

References

van den Boogert, F., Klein, K., Spaan, P., Sizoo, B., Bouman, Y. H. A., Hoogendijk, W. J. G., & Roza, S. J. (2022). Sensory processing difficulties in psychiatric disorders: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 151(151), 173–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.04.020

‌Brown, C., Karim, R., & Steuter, M. (2020). Retrospective Analysis of Studies Examining Sensory Processing Preferences in People With a Psychiatric Condition. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4), 7404205130p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.038463