The therapeutic impact of occupational therapy groups on the activity participation of persons with major depressive disorder in an acute mental health setting

Abstract

Introduction: Participation in meaningful activities is compromised in mental health care users living with major depressive disorder. In acute mental health settings, occupational therapy groups are the main treatment modality used to address occupational dysfunction or activity participation in these mental health care users.  However, the evidence for the therapeutic impact of occupational therapy groups on activity participation is limited.

This study aimed to determine change in the activity participation of mental healthcare users with major depression attending occupational therapy groups based on the Occupational Therapy Interactive Group Model during their admission to an acute private mental health setting.

Method: A quasi-experimental, longitudinal, pre-post group study design was employed to collect data from a sample of 70 participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The Activity Participation Outcome Measure (APOM) was used to measure change in activity participation in this study.

Results: A significant improvement in activity participation was evident from admission to discharge across all the domains of the APOM. Correlations between the independent variables and improvement in APOM scores indicated stronger correlations for the number of groups attended by participants than their length of stay. Additionally, closed groups yielded a stronger correlation with improvement in APOM scores in comparison to open groups.

Discussion: Occupational therapy groups play an integral role in the road to healing for mental health care users diagnosed with major depression admitted to acute private mental health settings.

Implications for Practice: 

• Incorporating the Occupational Therapy Interactive Groupwork Model (OTIGM) in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder, especially with closed groups, enables members to experience a sense of security and continuity, which can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
• Integrating tools such as the APOM in clinical settings to measure the efficacy of interventions and identify areas needing further attention, will build evidence-based practice.

Incorporating stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation therapy, Tension Release Exercises (TRE) and sensory activities, into the therapeutic regimen can be highly beneficial in the treatment of the acute symptoms of major depressive disorder.