title: Psychosis and the experience of employment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although unemployment is common among those diagnosed with psychotic illnesses, few studies have looked directly at the experience of those who have gained competitive paid employment subsequent to being diagnosed. This study explored the experiences of people diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in relation to paid employment. METHODS Eight participants with experience of paid employment were interviewed. The data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) [Smith et al. (In: Murray, Chamberlain, editors) Qualitative health psychology, 1999].
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three super-ordinate themes; 'Coping', 'Interpersonal support and reactions', and 'Personal change' were identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interpersonal support seemed to be lacking in workplaces, where discrimination was a reality for people with psychosis. Further study into what facilitates coping with symptoms in the workplace is needed.
authors.affiliation: Hesley Group, Doncaster, UK. vnithsdale@realemail.co.uk
authors.forename: Vicky
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nithsdale
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Croucher
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012944:Social Support; D017132:Workplace