Response To Vocational Rehabilitation During Treatment With First Or Second Generation Antipsychotics
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Description:
This article discusses second-generation antipsychotics, and the notion that they may enhance the rehabilitation of individuals with schizophrenia. The authors hypothesized that clients receiving second-generation antipsychotics would use vocational rehabilitation services more effectively and would have better employment outcomes than those receiving first-generation antipsychotics. Ninety unemployed clients with schizophrenia and related disorders who were beginning a vocational rehabilitation program were followed for nine months. Three groups were defined according to the medication in use at study entry: olanzapine, risperidone, or first-generation antipsychotics only. Participants were interviewed monthly. The olanzapine and risperidone groups did not differ on any employment outcomes. On most vocational indicators, clients receiving second-generation agents did not differ from those receiving first-generation agents. However, at nine months the second-generation group had a significantly higher rate of participation in vocational training; a trend was found toward a higher rate of paid employment. All groups showed substantial improvement in employment outcomes after entering a vocational program. The hypothesis that second-generation antipsychotics promote better employment outcomes than first-generation antipsychotics was not upheld. However, second-generation agents appear to be associated with increased participation in vocational rehabilitation. (Authors)
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
2004
Volume:
55
Issue:
1
Pages:
59-66
Source:
55(1): 59-66