Service user perspectives on the value and effectiveness of occupational therapy following intervention for severe depression

Abstract

Introduction:

Depression is characterised by loss of interest in activities and difficulty carrying out everyday tasks. Occupational therapy supports people to participate in the activities they want or need to do; however, there is limited evidence on the perceived effectiveness of occupational therapy for people with depression.

Methods:

The study aims/objectives were to identify service user perspectives on (i) the effectiveness of individualised occupational therapy in enabling improvement in occupational functioning and participation, and (ii) the most effective components of occupational therapy. Semi-structured interviews with community-dwelling adults diagnosed with severe, and predominantly enduring, depression and an identified occupational need, who had received occupational therapy, were analysed thematically. Participants ( n  = 7) were derived from a larger mixed-methods study.

Findings:

Three key themes were identified: Occupational therapy is about doing everyday activities which supports positive change; occupational therapy is client-centred which supports progress; the skills, attributes and characteristics of occupational therapists are important.

Conclusions:

Compelling narratives of how occupational therapy improves participation were evident, providing detailed information on the perceived effectiveness of occupational therapy. This research supports the evidence base for occupational therapy in mental health by mapping the perceived mechanisms of change, or aspects of occupational therapy participants found most helpful.