Successful occupational therapy using an exchange diary in a highly anxious and depressed elderly patient with severe burns and double lower leg amputation: A case study

Abstract

In this study, we experienced an elderly patient who suffered amputation of both lower legs after severe burns and was at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In addition, the family's anxiety was also heightened due to visitation restrictions caused by coronary disease. Therefore, we started an exchange diary to provide emotional support to both the patient and his family. As a result, the patient's anxiety and depression were relieved, the risk of PTSD decreased, and the family's anxiety was reduced. The patient was able to positively engage in rehabilitation, made good progress, and was ultimately discharged home. We suggest that the exchange diary may be useful as a means of providing emotional support for post-burn psychiatric symptoms and for sharing information when visitation is restricted due to secondary conditions such as coronary disease.