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A prospective analysis of work in schizophrenia
K T Mueser1, M P Salyers, P R Mueser
1Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH, USA. Kim.T.Mueser@Dartmouth.edu
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|May 17, 2001
Summary
Competitive employment for schizophrenia patients significantly increased post-treatment, with factors like prior work experience and social functioning predicting future work success. Interventions should address cognitive and social skills to boost employment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Schizophrenia significantly impacts patients' ability to maintain competitive employment.
- Understanding the longitudinal course of employment and its predictors is crucial for effective rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the longitudinal course of competitive employment in schizophrenia patients after acute exacerbation treatment.
- To prospectively predict work outcomes at 2 years based on sociodemographic and clinical factors.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 528 schizophrenia patients was assessed at baseline, with 313 followed up at 1 and 2 years.
- Data collected included sociodemographics, premorbid functioning, work history, symptoms, social functioning, and work-related efforts and interest.
- Statistical analyses explored changes in employment, correlates of work history, and predictors of future competitive employment.
Main Results:
- Competitive employment rose from 10% at baseline to 23% at 1 year and 21% at 2 years.
- Interest in working was reported by 61% of non-employed patients at baseline.
- Recent efforts to find work and baseline predictors like prior work experience, education, cognitive impairment, and social functioning predicted future employment.
Conclusions:
- Competitive employment rates improve over time for schizophrenia patients post-treatment.
- Prior work experience, educational background, cognitive function, and social skills are key predictors of sustained employment.
- Interventions targeting educational attainment, cognitive deficits, and social competence are recommended to enhance employment outcomes.