Schizophrenia and work: aspects related to job acquisition in a follow-up study
AUTOR(ES)
Martini, Larissa C., Barbosa Neto, Jair B., Petreche, Beatriz, Fonseca, Ana O., Santos, Fernanda V. dos, Magalhães, Lílian, Marques, Alessandra G., Soares, Camila, Cordeiro, Quirino, Attux, Cecília, Bressan, Rodrigo A.
FONTE
Rev. Bras. Psiquiatr.
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO
21/08/2017
RESUMO
Objective: Work is considered one of the main forms of social organization; however, few individuals with schizophrenia find work opportunities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between schizophrenia symptoms and job acquisition. Method: Fifty-three individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia from an outpatient treatment facility were included in an 18-month follow-up study. After enrollment, they participated in a prevocational training group. At the end of training (baseline) and 18 months later, sociodemographic, clinical data and occupational history were collected. Positive and negative symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale – PANSS), depression (Calgary Depression Scale), disease severity (Clinical Global Impression – CGI), functionality (Global Assessment of Functioning – GAF), personal and social performance (Personal and Social Performance – PSP) and cognitive functions (Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia – MATRICS battery) were applied at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: Those with some previous work experience (n=19) presented lower scores on the PANSS, Calgary, GAF, CGI and PSP scales (p < 0.05) than those who did not work. Among those who worked, there was a slight worsening in positive symptoms (positive PANSS). Conclusions: Individuals with less severe symptoms were more able to find employment. Positive symptom changes do not seem to affect participation at work; however, this calls for discussion about the importance of employment support.
