[An Essential Therapeutic: Occupational Therapy in GDR Psychiatric Institutions as Seen by Contemporary Witnesses].

Objective: The aim of this survey of professionals working in the GDR and former patients was to help determine the role and function of occupational therapy in psychiatric institutions.

Methodology: 74 contemporary witnesses were interviewed who had worked professionally in psychiatric institutions in the GDR or had been treated there in adulthood. The interviews were evaluated qualitatively.

Results: The eyewitnesses interviewed described the organisation and goals of occupational therapy as well as changes that took place over time. Occupational therapy was rated highly, as it represented an important additional therapy offering. Uniform activities and the misuse of patients' labor while neglecting their therapeutic requirements were subjected to critical assessment.

Conclusion: In future, the interviews with contemporary witnesses should be included to a greater extent in investigations into the history of psychiatry. The view of the development of occupational therapy can provide valuable insights for further historical reappraisal, and contribute to our current understanding of these forms of therapy.