Disorders of functions and disorders of capacity in relation to sick leave in mental disorders

With the publication of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the description of functional health as opposed to symptoms of illness has gained in importance.

To study the interrelation between disorders of functions, capacity and participation in mental disorders.

Two hundred and thirteen psychosomatic inpatients were assessed with the Mini-ICF-Rating for Mental Disorders (Mini-ICF-P), the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and an interview on sick leave.

The highest scores in the Mini-ICF-P were found for 'flexibility' (M = 1.64, SD = 0.94), 'structuring of tasks' (M = 1.12, SD = 1.05) and 'endurance' (M = 1.12, SD = 1.02), the lowest for 'self maintenance' (M = 0.19, SD = 0.44), 'mobility' (M = 0.43, SD = 0.85) and 'adherence to regulations' (M = 0.74, SD = 0.98). The correlation between Mini-ICF-P and SCL-90-R GSI is r = 0.51 (p < 0.001), between sick leave and GSI is r = -0.05 and between sick leave and Mini-ICF-P r = 0.34 ( p < 0.001).

Disorders of capacity are more closely related to disorders of participation/sick leave than disorders of functions.