Overview of scientific production on occupational therapy and mental health (1990-2018): a bibliometric study

Introduction: The successive transformations in mental health practices and theoretical approaches in Occupational Therapy, both in Brazil and worldwide, give rise to the need of systematizing and identifying what has been produced and disseminated by occupational therapists on this topic. Objectives: To describe the panorama of scientific productions about Occupational Therapy and mental health, considering variables such as year, language, country, methodological approach, and object of the studies. Method: This exploratory and descriptive research was based on a quantitative approach, using bibliometric analysis to systematize its data. Results: 249 studies were analyzed that demonstrate the highest incidence of Brazilian, Australian, American, and Canadian articles, published in English and mainly from the 2000s onwards. The predominant methodological approach was qualitative, and nine categories were created to deal with the objects of the studies. Conclusion: The results of the mapping of Occupational Therapy scientific production in mental health enabled the identification of theoretical and practical interests and trends over time worldwide.