Psychometric properties of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist for DSM-5 in persons with serious mental illness.

Background: PCL-5 is a self-report measure consisting of 20 items that are used to assess the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) according to the DSM-5.

Objective: This study evaluated the factor structure of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) in people with serious mental illness.

Method: The sample in Study 1 included 536 participants with serious mental illness who were receiving supported employment services through community mental health agencies or supported housing programmes.

Trauma Exposure and Prolonged Grief Disorder Among Persons Receiving Community Mental Health Services: Rates and Correlates.

Background: Persons with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) are at increased risk for exposure to trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) may also impact this population but has been seldom studied.

Aims: The present study investigated the rate of both PTSD and PGD among clients receiving community mental health services, and the clinical correlates of co-occurring PTSD/PGD.

I feel frozen: Client perceptions of how posttraumatic stress disorder impacts employment.

There is evidence that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a hidden barrier to employment among individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) among whom PTSD is highly prevalent. This study aimed to explore how PTSD interferes with achieving employment outcomes among persons with SMI. Participants included 119 individuals with SMI and co-occurring PTSD receiving Supported Employment services.

Effect of Psychiatric Symptoms on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Receiving Supported Employment Services: A Preliminary Study.

Psychiatric symptoms are often cited by community-based providers as barriers to employment for individuals with mental health conditions. The current study assessed whether psychiatric symptoms and hospitalization in the past year predicted employment outcomes for participants receiving supported employment (SE) services. A total of 105 participants enrolled in SE services were assessed on their level of psychiatric symptoms, hospitalization in the past year, and employment outcomes.

The role of work related self-efficacy in supported employment for people living with serious mental illnesses.

Objective: This study tested whether higher work-related self-efficacy would predict the achievement of competitive employment in supported employment (SE) programs.

Methods: N = 105 individuals were recruited from 5 state-funded SE programs in a Northeastern state. Participants were required to be unemployed and seeking employment to be eligible to enter the study.

Improving Employment Outcomes in Assertive Community Treatment (ACT): The Role of the ACT Nurse.

Assertive community treatment (ACT) for individuals with serious mental illness is a community-based mental health service model where nurses play a significant leadership role as health and wellness educators and consultants to consumers and fellow staff members. The ACT model was designed to include a vocational focus as an important aspect of community integration. Nevertheless, research suggests that ACT does not assist a significant number of consumers in achieving employment goals.

The relationship between hope and symptoms.

Objective: Hope is a critical aspect of the recovery process for persons with serious mental illnesses. The goal of this pilot study was to assess the relationship between hope and symptoms for a cohort of individuals with mental illnesses receiving supported employment services.

Method: A total of 74 participants enrolled in supported employment were assessed on their level of hopefulness, hopelessness and psychiatric symptoms.

Barriers to vocational effectiveness in ACT: staff perspectives.

Assertive community treatment (ACT), for persons with serious mental illness, includes a vocational focus as an important aspect of community integration. Nevertheless, research suggests that ACT does not assist significant numbers of consumers in achieving employment goals. A two-step survey of New Jersey ACT team members was designed to identify the key issues that hinder ACT staff members in assisting consumers with obtaining employment.