Work and vocational reintegration of psychosomatic patients - Effects and indication for a program involving increases in workload.

The effect of a professional workload test was assessed in a longitudinal s tudy with 80 patients psychosomatic rehabilitation during and following the ir. in a second study indication criteria were tested with 358 consecutive patients. Participants in the workload program show an improvement of their work ability and job performance according to self-appraisal, superior app raisal and medical assessment. Work ability was still maintained 7 months a fter treatment. Patients with lasting work disability and unemployment not only show negative work-related attitudes, but also elevated psychological symptoms and a reduced quality of life. The program participants show high levels of psychological strain but also a stronger disposition to change th e profesional situation. Negative work-related and psychological consequenc es of lasting disability and unemployment deserve more attention in inpatie nt psychosomatic treatment.