EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE AMONG 200 SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS IN HOSPITAL AND AFTER DISCHARGE

A measure of work and work-like activity during hospitalization of 211 male schizophrenic veterans was compared with their posthospital employment experience over a 6-month follow-up period. Most of the patients (53%) had participated in worthwhile, constructive activity on a regular basis during at least part of their hospitalization. However, less than half of the sample (47%) were employed at any time after their return to the community. Of those who sought and obtained employment, only 49 (or approximately one-fifth of the original sample) worked at a regular full-time job throughout the follow-up period. The need for much greater use of special employment centers and/or placement is suggested by these findings.