A longitudinal analysis of employment in people with severe mental illnesses in India.

Purpose: Little is known about the longitudinal trajectories of employment in people with severe mental illnesses (SMI) in developing countries, including India. We examined stability and change in work status, interest in work, problems and benefits related to work among employed participants, and barriers and desired job supports among unemployed participants.

Methods: We conducted a one-year follow-up with 550 participants with SMI receiving psychiatric outpatient treatment in two hospitals in two districts in India.

Employment functioning in people with severe mental illnesses living in urban vs. rural areas in India.

Purpose: Research on employment in people with severe mental illnesses (SMI) in developing countries is sparse and largely limited to employment rates. We conducted a comprehensive study of work, interest in work, and perceived benefits and barriers to work in people with SMI in India.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 550 individuals with SMI receiving private psychiatric outpatient services in two districts in western India, one urban (Pune) and the other rural (Ahmednagar).