[Occupational integration of schizophrenic patients under current treatment conditions]

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Göttingen, Germany, including 100 schizophrenic patients mostly under outpatient treatment. Data were collected concerning the course of the illness, the premorbid and present living circumstances and the self-assessment of those. The average age of the patients (42 female, 58 male) is 38 years, 82% are living without a partner. About one third are chronically ill, another third relapse frequently or suffer from residual symptoms. 84% take neuroleptic medication on a regularly basis. At first manifestation of the illness 84% are employed or undergoing vocational training. After a mean illness duration of 11 years only 34% of the patients are employed on the general or the sheltered labour market. The financial situation is closely connected with the vocational integration of the patients. 43% have a monthly income of less than DM 1000.-(645 US$) and 69% do have an income of less than DM 1500.-(967 US$) per month.