[Risk factors for invalidity in psychiatric disorders--development of an empirically based assessment tool]

The staggering amount of health-related disability associated with psychiatric disorders is increasing medical claim costs. Government-run health systems and social health insurances are under pressure in almost every developed country. The complex interrelationship of these disorders and disability pensioning poses a number of challenges and emphasises the need for specialists in psychiatric medicine. In the past, physicians did not favour standardised expert testimonies because it often limits a physician's freedom to decide. In this study an empirically based assessment instrument was developed to predict the final outcome, with respect to future disability. Further prospective clinical research should aim to differentiate subjects with "high risks" from those with a better prognosis.