Psychosis is a well-recognised mental health problem whereby an individual may become delusional and lose touch with reality. Episodes of psychosis can be short-term or prolonged, and the first episode often occurs in an individual when they reach young adulthood.

Chinese researchers have assessed whether people diagnosed with psychosis or schizophrenia could be assisted back into the workplace with specific training. The researchers examined the outcomes of just under 150 people who had participated in an occupational therapy program. Part of that program involved assisting the participants to integrate into the workforce. 

Prior to the program, none of the clients had been engaged in work. When followed up three months after the program, just over 50 per cent of the clients were actively engaged in ongoing activities. Half of those were working, and about one-third were engaged in training and education on an ongoing basis.

The occupational therapy program had taught them how to manage their symptoms, through recognising the importance of habits and the basics about being in the workforce. The program had also arranged social support and educated participants about their illness. 

All of these factors were considered important in transitioning this select group of patients. A significant proportion moved into work and other productive roles after the occupational therapy program.

With mental health issues there is often a focus on the medical treatment of the mental health disorder. The outcome for everyday activities is sometimes considered to be less important within a medical or health consultation.

However, a broad base of evidence has suggested that people generally have better mental wellbeing when engaged in the workforce. This study shows that practical everyday training can help people with significant mental health disorders become more productive. This is in line with a number of other studies in this area, indicating the need to provide support for those with mental health disorders to help them move into the workplace if they wish.

Authors

Poon MY. Siu AM. Ming SY. .

Institution

Kwai Chung Hospital, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.

Title

Outcome analysis of occupational therapy programme for persons with early psychosis.

Source

Work. 37(1):65-70, 2010.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the vocational outcomes of young persons with early psychosis after their participation in an occupational therapy program, and identified clinical or process variables that are linked to the vocational outcomes.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 147 clients, aged between 15 and 25, with early psychosis or schizophrenia participated in this study.

METHODS: A retrospective review of case management plans and outcomes was conducted. A survey form was designed to record demographic and clinical variables, and a follow-up telephone interview was conducted to monitor the vocational status of clients during the first three months after discharge.

RESULTS: Although none of the clients had been engaged in work prior to participation in the programme, 53.7% could maintain a productive role in work (27.2%) or training/education (16.3%) in the three-month follow-up. Better mental condition and insight, stronger motivation for joining treatment, better social support, longer work history, and a shorter period of idleness before joining the programme, were significantly related to more favourable vocational outcomes. Older clients and those with more years of education were more likely to maintain a worker role. Parents were much more conservative about the future work plan than the clients themselves.

CONCLUSIONS: Symptom management, work habit training, enrichment of the work experience, building social support and cultivation of insight into illness were important strategies related to the successful adoption of a productive role.

PubMed Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20858988