Cognition and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Participant-Identified Challenges and Strategies, and Implications for Intervention

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause both orthostatic and non-orthostatic physical and cognitive symptoms. The goal of this study is to gain meaningful understanding of the cognitive impact of POTS on daily function and to record the strategies participants use to overcome the challenges to help direct occupational therapy treatment. Results show daily function is greatly and negatively impacted by cognitive symptoms resulting from POTS. Participants have discovered strategies and used adaptations to enable them to participate in their daily and meaningful tasks. Using the experiences of those who live with POTS every day to guide interventions, occupational therapy practitioners can better understand and help to improve the autonomy and independence of the clients they treat.