["Out of the picture"--self-evaluation of the occupational status of chronic schizophrenic patients in united Germany].

Purpose: This study is based of the documentation of drastic changes in the vocational life of chronically schizophrenic individuals in the New German Länder. With the political and economic transition since 1989, the employment rate of those suffering from chronic schizophrenia dropped from 50% to 7%. Currently most of them receive a disability pension.

Method: Using a qualitative study design, we addressed the question as to what extent the disability pension can substitute for occupation of those in question. 45 chronically schizophrenic patients who are currently in outpatient treatment were interviewed to understand the role of work and disability pension in their lives.

Results: Positive and negative aspects of work and disability pension and their interaction as seen by the participants in our study are described. In a life of discontinuity disability pension offers a security which most of our interviewees would not like to give up. Other needs, however, especially the need for social integration, are not met by disability pension. A part-time job beyond sheltered facilities would offer them the possibility to benefit from the positive psycho-social function of work without challenging their security. Implications for vocational rehabilitation are discussed.