Lisa O'Donnell1, Joseph A Himle2, Kelly Ryan3, Andrew Grogan-Kaylor4, Melvin G McInnis5, Jenna Weintraub6, Marisa Kelly7, Patricia Deldin8. 1. Postdoctoral fellow at the University of California Los Angeles. 2. Associate Dean for Research and a professor of social work and psychiatry at the University of Michigan. 3. Clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan. 4. Associate professor of social work at the University of Michigan. 5. Thomas B. and Nancy Upjohn Woodworth Professor of Bipolar Disorder and Depression and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan. 6. Research associate in social work at the University of Michigan. 7. Research associate in psychiatry at the University of Michigan. 8. Professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Michigan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by recurrent mood episodes and profound impairments in psychosocial functioning. Occupational disability is one of the most problematic impairments for individuals with BD due to high rates of unemployment and work impairments. Current evidence indicates that social stressors at work-such as social isolation, conflict with others, and stigmas-are common experiences for employed individuals with BD. Yet, few studies have examined the relationship between social stressors at work and overall occupational functioning, instead focusing on individual clinical features of the disorder. METHOD: This cross-sectional study employed logistic and linear regressions to determine which demographic variables, mood symptoms, and social aspects of the work environment (exclusion, conflict, social support, stigma) were associated with work status (working vs. not working) and work functioning for individuals with bipolar disorder I and II. RESULTS: Greater stigma and exclusion at work (p < .05) are associated with unemployment among adult individuals with BD, and higher degrees of depression and conflict at work (p < .05) are associated with work impairments for employed individuals. CONCLUSIONS: By examining two distinct measures of work outcomes (work status and work functioning) within the same group of participants, this study provides a unique insight, revealing that predictors of occupational functioning vary based on the specific measure of work outcomes used. This study also emphasizes the need for treatments that address the clinical features of BD and intervene in the work environment to improve functioning and prevent unemployment among individuals with BD.
OBJECTIVE: Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by recurrent mood episodes and profound impairments in psychosocial functioning. Occupational disability is one of the most problematic impairments for individuals with BD due to high rates of unemployment and work impairments. Current evidence indicates that social stressors at work-such as social isolation, conflict with others, and stigmas-are common experiences for employed individuals with BD. Yet, few studies have examined the relationship between social stressors at work and overall occupational functioning, instead focusing on individual clinical features of the disorder. METHOD: This cross-sectional study employed logistic and linear regressions to determine which demographic variables, mood symptoms, and social aspects of the work environment (exclusion, conflict, social support, stigma) were associated with work status (working vs. not working) and work functioning for individuals with bipolar disorder I and II. RESULTS: Greater stigma and exclusion at work (p < .05) are associated with unemployment among adult individuals with BD, and higher degrees of depression and conflict at work (p < .05) are associated with work impairments for employed individuals. CONCLUSIONS: By examining two distinct measures of work outcomes (work status and work functioning) within the same group of participants, this study provides a unique insight, revealing that predictors of occupational functioning vary based on the specific measure of work outcomes used. This study also emphasizes the need for treatments that address the clinical features of BD and intervene in the work environment to improve functioning and prevent unemployment among individuals with BD.
Entities:
Keywords:
conflict; employment outcomes; mood disorders; stigma; work status
Authors: Lewis L Judd; Hagop S Akiskal; Pamela J Schettler; Jean Endicott; Andrew C Leon; David A Solomon; William Coryell; Jack D Maser; Martin B Keller Journal: Arch Gen Psychiatry Date: 2005-12