Outcomes of managing disability benefits among patients with substance dependence and severe mental illness.
To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a program to manage Social Security disability benefits in a clinical sample of patients with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance dependence, 41 patients were randomly assigned to have their benefits either contingently or noncontingently managed through their mental health center. Contingent management involved adjustments to the type or frequency (not amount) of disability benefits and payments for study participation based on ratings of substance use, money management, and treatment follow-through. The patients with contingent management used significantly less alcohol and drugs and showed much better money management than those with noncontingent management. Patients and case managers who participated in the study reported that they found the management strategy to be acceptable and useful.
Ries
Richard K
RK
Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA. rries@u.washington.edu
Dyck
Dennis G
DG
Short
Robert
R
Srebnik
Debra
D
Fisher
Anastasia
A
Comtois
Katherine A
KA
D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018868:Insurance, Disability / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration; D012943:Social Security / Q000191:economics*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States