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Employment outcomes and PTSD symptom severity
Mark W Smith1, Paula P Schnurr, Robert A Rosenheck
1Cooperative Studies Program and Health Services Research & Development Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA. mark.smith9@med.va.gov
Mental Health Services Research
|June 25, 2005
Summary
Chronic war-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly impacts employment. Reducing PTSD symptoms, even slightly, may improve job prospects for veterans.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Occupational Health
- Veterans Affairs
Background:
- Chronic war-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is consistently linked to adverse employment outcomes.
- Understanding the specific relationship between PTSD symptom severity and employment is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between PTSD symptom severity and work status, occupation type, and earnings in male Vietnam veterans.
- To analyze how different levels of PTSD symptom severity affect employment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Study included 325 male Vietnam veterans with severe or very severe PTSD undergoing treatment.
- Data analysis focused on correlating PTSD symptom severity with work status, occupation, and earnings.
Main Results:
- Higher PTSD symptom severity was associated with increased likelihood of part-time or no employment.
- Among employed veterans, greater symptom severity showed a weak association with sales or clerical occupations.
- No significant relationship was found between PTSD symptom level and earnings, controlling for employment and occupation.
Conclusions:
- Even minor reductions in PTSD symptoms can potentially enhance employment for veterans.
- Interventions aimed at symptom reduction may improve vocational outcomes for individuals with chronic PTSD.