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Vocational Functioning (vocational + functioning)
Selected AbstractsThe 10-year course of psychosocial functioning among patients with borderline personality disorder and axis II comparison subjectsACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2010M. C. Zanarini Zanarini MC, Frankenburg FR, Bradford Reich D, Fitzmaurice G. The 10-year course of psychosocial functioning among patients with borderline personality disorder and axis II comparison subjects. Objective:, The purpose of this study was to determine the 10-year course of the psychosocial functioning of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Method:, The social and vocational functioning of 290 inpatients meeting both the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB-R) and DSM-III-R criteria for BPD and 72 axis II comparison subjects were carefully assessed during their index admission. Psychosocial functioning was reassessed using similar methods at five contiguous 2-year time periods. Results:, Borderline patients without good psychosocial functioning at baseline reported difficulty attaining it for the first time. Those who had such functioning at baseline reported difficulty retaining and then regaining it. In addition, over 90% of their poor psychosocial functioning was due to poor vocational but not social performance. Conclusion:, Good psychosocial functioning that involves both social and vocational competence is difficult for borderline patients to achieve and maintain over time. In addition, their vocational functioning is substantially more compromised than their social functioning. [source] Vocational assessment of secondary students with disabilities and the school psychologistPSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 6 2008Christopher J. Fives Although much progress has been made in the identification and remediation of academic learning difficulties, less attention has been given to the career development of students with disabilities. Through their psychoeducational evaluations school psychologists are in an excellent position to provide useful information about the vocational functioning of these students. Some school practitioners may be hesitant to contribute fully to the vocational assessment process because they are unfamiliar with vocational behavior literature. In an effort to encourage greater involvement, the school psychologist's role as member of a career assessment team is discussed, and vocational theory and research concerning interest, ability, and personality characteristics are reviewed. Assessment and data integration strategies are offered. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Profile of cognitive problems in schizophrenia and implications for vocational functioningAUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009Bhing-Leet Tan Aim:,This literature review attempts to profile specific areas of cognition that have shown unique and consistent evidence of dysfunction among people with schizophrenia. In addition, their impact on vocational functioning is illustrated, so as to highlight the importance of managing these cognitive difficulties in vocational rehabilitation. Methods:,Literature search was carried out on seven key cognitive domains identified by the National Institute of Mental Health in the USA. Their impact on vocational function was also reviewed. Results:,It is found that attention, declarative and working memory, reasoning, problem-solving and social cognition are areas of impairment that have great impact on vocational functioning. Attention and memory problems affect learning of new work tasks. Executive function is particularly crucial in determining supported and open employment outcomes, as executive dysfunction cannot be easily compensated. Lastly, social cognition plays a major role in determining the success of workplace social exchanges. Conclusion:,Occupational therapists need to have a good understanding of the profile of cognitive problems among people with schizophrenia, in order to tailor our intervention according to their cognitive strengths and difficulties. Several cognitive remediation strategies and programs have been designed specifically for people with mental illness. Equipping ourselves with skills in conducting such programs will augment our expertise in vocational rehabilitation. [source] Disability and its treatment in bipolar disorder patientsBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 1-2 2007Nancy Huxley Bipolar disorders (BPD) are major, life-long psychiatric illnesses found in 2,5% of the population. Prognosis for BPD was once considered relatively favorable, but contemporary findings suggest that disability and poor outcomes are prevalent, despite major therapeutic advances. Syndromal recovery from acute episodes of mania or bipolar major depression is achieved in as many as 90% of patients given modern treatments, but full symptomatic recovery is achieved slowly, and residual symptoms of fluctuating severity and functional impact are the rule. Depressive,dysthymic,dysphoric morbidity continues in more than 30% of weeks in follow-up from initial episodes as well as later in the illness-course. As few as 1/3 of BPD patients achieve full social and occupational functional recovery to their own premorbid levels. Pharmacotherapy, though the accepted first-line treatment for BPD patients, is insufficient by itself, encouraging development of adjunctive psychological treatments and rehabilitative efforts to further limit morbidity and disability. Interpersonal, cognitive,behavioral, and psychoeducational therapies all show promise for improving symptomatic and functional outcomes. Much less is known about how these and more specific rehabilitative interventions might improve vocational functioning in BPD patients. [source] |