A intervenção da terapia ocupacional na saúde mental infantil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Children's mental health is an essential component for the full and healthy development of children. OBJECTIVES: to investigate the contributions of Occupational Therapy in the development of children with mental health problems. METHODOLOGY: Literature review with a qualitative approach with searches in the databases Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Library Online - Scielo, Journals portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel - Capes, PubMed and LILACS, in addition to direct consultations in the journals: Revista de Terapia Ocupacional da Universidade de São Paulo, Cadernos de Terapia Ocupacional and Revista Interinstitucional Brasileira de Terapia Ocupacional, using the Descriptors in Health Sciences: mental health, mental disorders, anguish and suffering. The period delimited was between 2008 and 2023, in articles that were in Portuguese and met the research objectives. RESULTS: Scientific evidence indicates that occupational intervention contributes significantly to reducing symptoms of emotional and behavioral disorders, in addition to enhancing children's occupational performance. Occupational Therapy uses interventions centered on the child and the environment, such as therapeutic play, sensory activities, and support for the development of emotional regulation and social interaction skills. Preventive and therapeutic approaches are highlighted, including work in schools, clinics, and homes, with a focus on adapting to environmental demands and strengthening family relationships. CONCLUSION: The integration of Occupational Therapy into child mental health services is essential to meet the complex demands of this population and ensure healthy development.