A transdiagnostic study of education, employment, and training outcomes in young people with mental illness

R S C Lee; Daniel F Hermens; Jan Scott; B O'Dea; N Glozier; E M Scott; I B Hickie

doi:10.1017/S0033291717000484

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A transdiagnostic study of education, employment, and training outcomes in young people with mental illness

Journal article

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A transdiagnostic study of education, employment, and training outcomes in young people with mental illness

R S C Lee, Daniel F Hermens, Jan Scott, B O'Dea, N Glozier, E M Scott and I B Hickie

Psychological Medicine, Vol.47(12), pp.2061-2070

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291717000484

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Abstract

functional outcome

NEET

neurocognition

RDoC

unemployment

Background Optimizing functional recovery in young individuals with severe mental illness constitutes a major healthcare priority. The current study sought to quantify the cognitive and clinical factors underpinning academic and vocational engagement in a transdiagnostic and prospective youth mental health cohort. The primary outcome measure was 'not in education, employment or training' ('NEET') status. Method A clinical sample of psychiatric out-patients aged 15-25 years (n = 163) was assessed at two time points, on average, 24 months apart. Functional status, and clinical and neuropsychological data were collected. Bayesian structural equation modelling was used to confirm the factor structure of predictors and cross-lagged effects at follow-up. Results Individually, NEET status, cognitive dysfunction and negative symptoms at baseline were predictive of NEET status at follow-up (p < 0.05). Baseline cognitive functioning was the only predictor of follow-up NEET status in the multivariate Bayesian model, while controlling for baseline NEET status. For every 1 s.d. deficit in cognition, the probability of being disengaged at follow-up increased by 40% (95% credible interval 19-58%). Baseline NEET status predicted poorer negative symptoms at follow-up (β = 0.24, 95% credible interval 0.04-0.43). Conclusions Disengagement with education, employment or training (i.e. being NEET) was reported in about one in four members of this cohort. The initial level of cognitive functioning was the strongest determinant of future NEET status, whereas being academically or vocationally engaged had an impact on future negative symptomatology. If replicated, these findings support the need to develop early interventions that target cognitive phenotypes transdiagnostically.

Details

Title: A transdiagnostic study of education, employment, and training outcomes in young people with mental illness
Authors: R S C Lee (Corresponding Author) - University of Sydney
Daniel F Hermens (Author) - University of Sydney
Jan Scott (Author) - Newcastle University, United Kingdom
B O'Dea (Author) - University of New South Wales
N Glozier (Author) - University of Sydney
E M Scott (Author) - University of Sydney
I B Hickie (Author) - University of Sydney
Publication details: Psychological Medicine, Vol.47(12), pp.2061-2070
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date published: 2017
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291717000484
ISSN: 0033-2917
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450350302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Psychiatry; Psychology; Psychology, Clinical

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