Floating to enhance quality of life for someone with ADHD and Asperger's (Autism)

Full Article Title:

Enhanced independence and quality of life after treatment with flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique of a patient with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome: A case report.

Authors: Hanna Edebol, Anette Kjellgren, Sven-Åke Bood and Torsten Norlander

Karlstad University, Sweden

Published July 2009

Hypothesis:

The research assumes that use of Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (Flotation-REST) will improve the quality of life and independence of patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Asperger's Syndrome (AS).

Aim:

The present study aimed to qualitatively measure the effect of Flotation-REST on the patient with AS and ADHD, namely arousal control, activity regulation, sensory integration, cognitive processes, and emotional maturity.

The intervention was a single-case study of a Swedish woman aged 36 with the diagnoses of ADHD and AS who completed 19 flotation sessions over one year. The changes and experiences of the patient were recorded through interviews and interpreted through the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological (EPP) method.

Methodology:

• Patient Profile: 

  • Female aged 36, diagnosed with ADHD and AS by a neuropsychological team.

  • Medication included Concerta® for ADHD and Efexor® depot for depression.

• Flotation Sessions: 

  • 19 sessions in total: the first six sessions were 45 minutes long, and the other 13 sessions were 90 minutes long each.

• Data Collection: 

  • Carried out three semi-structured interviews with the patient.

  • The interviews covered her experiences with ADHD, AS, and the flotation sessions.

• Analysis: 

  • Interview data was analyzed using the EPP method.

  • Split data into Meaning Units (MUs) and converted into abstract language to find underlying psychological phenomena.

  • Patterns of situational and typological formations were developed and validated using the Norlander Credibility Test for purposes of ensuring reliability.

Results:

• Arousal Control:

  • Improved ability for control of levels of arousal to enjoy deep relaxation and reduced stress.

• Activity Regulation:

  • Improved ability for control of body movements and reduction of impulsive acts.

  • Increased ability for remaining still and reduction of restlessness.

• Sensory Integration and Interpretation:

  • Improved ability to control sensory impressions and regain sensory resistance.

  • Sensations of coordinated sensory functioning and inner peace.

• Cognitive Functioning:

  • Improved concentration, focus, motivation, preparation, and organization.

  • Fewer struggles with completing tasks, reading, writing, and thinking in a systematic way.

• Emotional Maturity:

  • More ability to handle and manage emotions, leading to patience and persistence.

  • More acceptance of own feelings and more awareness of other people's feelings.

  • Sense of inner balance and self-acceptance.

• Personal Independence and Quality of Life:

  • These abilities developing facilitated the development of a sense of personal independence and quality of life.

Support sessions were required in order for these gains to be maintained.

The research found that Flotation-REST was an important intervention for the patient, leading to significant improvement in many areas. The positive effects were found to persist at the four-month follow-up, although the need for ongoing support sessions was noted.

Conclusion:

The case study supports the hypothesis that Flotation-REST has the potential to significantly enhance the independence and quality of life in individuals who have ADHD and AS. The favorable changes in arousal control, activity regulation, sensory integration, cognitive functioning, and emotional maturity demonstrate that the technique works. Other researchers are invited to examine the effectiveness of the treatment in a larger population.

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Enhanced independence and quality of life through treatment with flotation-Restricted Envi.

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