Occupational therapy : the Arab connection

الملخص EN

The modern treatment of psychiatric disorders features a multidisciplinary team approach, and the occupational therapist is an integral member of the treatment team.

The involvement of the occupational therapist represents a lengthy evolution, from the use of occupation in ancient times as a treatment medium for the mentally ill, to the present scientific base of harnessing purposeful activity and interpersonal relationships.

This article reviews the background of the profession, the Arab contribution to occupational therapy, and its present state.