title: Vocational Functioning in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Does Apathy Matter?
abstract: While the influence of negative symptoms on vocational outcome is well documented, the specific contribution of apathy is less explored. The current study examined the influence of apathy on vocational outcome. A total of 148 participants were included in a vocational rehabilitation study, offering cognitive remediation (CR) or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to address work-related issues. Clinical and functional measures were assessed on inclusion and at posttreatment after approximately 10 months. The level of apathy was not related to the acquisition of work, but higher levels of apathy predicted fewer hours worked per week during the study. Previous employment predicted future employment, and higher education predicted more hours worked and higher score on the Work Behavior Inventory. The results did not differ across interventions. Thus, despite apathy, people with schizophrenia were able to work when the barriers to employment were addressed and adequate support was given.
authors.affiliation: *Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Department of Research and Development, Oslo University Hospital; and †Department of Psychology and ‡Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bull
authors.forename: Torill
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ueland
authors.forename: June Ullevoldsæter
authors.initials: JU
authors.lastname: Lystad
authors.forename: Stig
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Evensen
authors.forename: Egil Wilhelm
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Martinsen
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Falkum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D057565:Apathy / Q000502:physiology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D000072466:Cognitive Remediation / Q000379:methods*; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000379:methods*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*