Effects of Occupational Therapy Workshops on Functionality and Psychiatric Symptoms in Syrian Patients Receiving Community Mental Health Services

Background : Impairments in functionality and social participation are common among individuals with severe mental disorders, particularly within refugee populations. Community-based psychosocial interventions may play a crucial role in improving both psychiatric symptoms and daily functioning. Methods : This controlled, prospective study was conducted at a Community Mental Health Center in Turkey. Syrian patients under temporary protection who participated in occupational therapy workshops (experimental group) were compared with a control group receiving routine care only. Functionality (Brief Functionality Assessment Scale – BFAS), depression (Beck Depression Inventory – BDI), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory – BAI), and psychotic symptom severity (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale – PANSS) were assessed at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. Results : At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the groups. In the experimental group, significant improvements were observed in functionality, depression, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms at 6 months (p < 0.001 for BFAS, BDI, and BAI; p = 0.018 for PANSS), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. At the 6-month assessment, the experimental group demonstrated significantly better outcomes compared to the control group. Conclusions : Occupational therapy workshops integrated into community mental health services are associated with significant improvements in functionality and psychiatric symptoms among Syrian patients, highlighting the importance of structured psychosocial interventions for vulnerable populations.