Article

This study identified functioning, health, and social needs in
jobseekers with mental disorders independently assessed as having capacity to
work and referred to disability employment services. Differences in function
between jobseekers with mental illness alone and with additional drug and alcohol
problems were examined with view to identifying interventions for vocational
rehabilitation. METHOD: A convenience sample of 116 jobseekers completed
BASIS-32, CANSAS, AUDIT, DAST-10 and 6 items from the EXIT interview and were
divided into two groups: mental illness only, and additional drug and alcohol
issues (AUDIT total score >8 and/or DAST total score >3). Analysis of variance
was used to determine group differences. RESULTS: Jobseekers reported
low-moderate problems with function. Over 40% of the sample reported unresolved
psychological distress, physical health needs, and social/daytime activity needs.
Thirty-five jobseekers (30%) had additional drug and alcohol problems and
reported significantly greater difficulty with impulsive/addictive behavior and
poorer memory and executive function than the mental illness only group. No
significant differences were identified in past work functioning. CONCLUSIONS:
Screening all job seekers for psychological, physical, and social needs to
identify suitable treatment and rehabilitation strategies and providing
interventions that improve emotional regulation and executive function for job
seekers with additional drug and alcohol problems may improve employability of
job seekers accessing disability employment services.

Langue : ANGLAIS