International assessment of functional skills in people with schizophrenia

Disability is very common in schizophrenia and is related to cognitive impairments, some illness symptoms, and deficits in skills needed to function in the everyday environment (i.g., functional capacity). Research on measurement of the ability to perform the skilled acts required for successful everyday functioning has advanced considerably in the past five years. However, different environmental situations require different skill sets, and one of the major challenges in research on functional capacity is identification of the differences in skills that are required across environments. This article reviews the challenges associated with international measurement of functional capacity. The authors present their perspectives on what can be done with existing measures and what needs to be done in the future. As America becomes more multicultural, these challenges will also occur close to home as well.