This study provides further preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of a specialist vocational intervention following first episode psychosis. This is an important outcome from the perspective of service users and clinicians alike (as well as having wider societal value). Other important predictors of vocational recovery cannot be modified by the time a first episode psychosis emerges.

Causality has not been fully established, but these results suggest that beliefs about mental health problems may have a direct impact on outcome, and point towards possible targets for intervention, such as challenging illness-related appraisals. This is consistent with both general cognitive models of psychosis, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for this client group.

No abstract