This chapter focuses on the unique role of occupational therapy in the
assessment and treatment of personality disorders. Integrating occupational therapy
assessments and interventions within existing assessment and treatment approaches can
improve functional outcomes for people with personality disorders. Occupational
therapy plays a pivotal role in multidisciplinary areas and across generic therapeutic
approaches, for example, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Occupational
therapists are experts in assessing the performance of daily activities and functioning
across the lifespan. Therefore, occupational therapist makes a valuable contribution to
the recovery journey of people with personality disorders. This review introduces the
role of occupational therapy in the management of personality disorders as defined by
the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5 (DSM-5). Assessment and treatment
options unique to the profession are also described.
Keywords: AMPD, Multidisciplinary treatment approach, Mental health services, Pccupational therapist, Personality disorders.
