Individualized Self-Management Support in Acute Psychiatric Occupational Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Fatigue and fluctuating symptoms limit participation during acute psychiatric hospitalization. This retrospective cohort study (n = 37) examined an Individualized Self-Management Program (ISMP) added to routine occupational therapy. The ISMP group showed a larger increase in MHSQ-J total scores than the control group, despite lower baseline scores; exploratory subscale analyses showed differences in empowerment and vitality. Bodily awareness–related difficulties did not differ between groups over time, whereas GAF scores increased in both groups. These preliminary findings suggest ISMP may complement routine occupational therapy, but prospective studies must distinguish its specific effects from broader inpatient treatment and contextual influences.