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Lifestyle Redesign® for MCAS and Dysautonomia

Navigating life with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and/or dysautonomia (e.g., POTS) can significantly impact physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Understanding and identifying symptom triggers and effectively managing fluctuating symptoms can be a confusing, challenging, and isolating process. This can be compounded by “invisible symptoms” including fatigue and brain fog which can interfere with participation in home, school, or work roles and routines. Additionally, managing commonly linked diagnoses, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), anxiety, and depression can contribute to challenges with health management. As a result, individuals can be overwhelmed by their healthcare experience due to the need to manage many healthcare appointments and communicate health-related needs to loved ones.

Since MCAS and dysautonomia are impacted by lifestyle and environmental factors, a holistic, comprehensive approach to care is recommended. Our occupational therapists collaborate with individuals to create sustainable lifestyle changes and improve participation in meaningful activities. Our program aims to improve self-management skills to reduce the frequency and/or severity of symptom flares, increase one’s sense of empowerment, and improve quality of life.

We can help you to:

• Track your symptoms and identify your triggers
• Learn medication management and self-management strategies
• Implement activity pacing strategies and conserve energy to improve management of fatigue
• Manage stress, anxiety, and depression through healthy coping strategies and self-regulation techniques
• Use time management strategies to improve “brain fog” and establish health-promoting daily routines
• Manage dietary triggers while developing healthy eating routines
• Identify and implement a safe and effective physical activity routine that does not exacerbate symptoms
• Modify your environment and utilize adaptive equipment to reduce triggers
• Create a restorative sleep routine
• Develop self-advocacy skills in home, workplace or school, and healthcare contexts
• Increase participation in meaningful leisure and community activities

Brochure

View/download the Lifestyle Redesign for MCAS and Dysautonomia brochure.

Get more information/contact us

To make an appointment, or for more information, contact us today!

USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 133, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003

ACOTE accreditation | NBCOT certification

The USC entry-level master’s degree program (cost of attendance) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The USC entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) degree program (cost of attendance) is accredited by ACOTE®. View our program’s ACOTE® standards public data. ACOTE® c/o the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 652-AOTA, www.acoteonline.org.

Professional program graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®), nbcot.org. All states require licensure to practice; a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT® OTR certification examination or attain state licensure. Program results from the NBCOT® can be found online at www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.