Occupational therapy for a client with depression and avoidant personality disorder in the forensic psychiatric ward in Japan:

Introduction of value-added occupations and consistent involvement by MDT

Abstract

The case involves a client with depression and avoidant personality disorder in a forensic psychiatric ward in Japan who attempted extended suicide with her father. The intervention introduced leather work, which the client showed a strong interest in, and under specific rules triggered rehabilitation by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Occupational therapy for clients suffering from both depression and personality disorder in a forensic psychiatric ward could find occupations that values the clients, manifests the clients’ personalities in the specific occupational experience, and safely promotes behavioral changes.