Vocational intervention in first-episode psychosis: Individual placement and support v. treatment as usual

Abstract

Background: Unemployment is a major problem for people with first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia. This has repercussions for the economy, social functioning and illness prognosis. Aims: To examine whether a vocational intervention - individual placement and support (IPS) - which has been found to be beneficial in populations with chronic schizophrenia, was a useful intervention for those with first-episode psychosis. Method: A total of 41 people with first-episode psychosis were randomised to receive either 6 months of IPS + treatment as usual (TAU) (n=20) or TAU alone (n=21). Results: The IPS group had significantly better outcomes on level of employment (13 v. 2, P<0.001), hours worke..