Disorders of Functions and Disorders of Capacity in Relation To Sick Leave in Mental Disorders

Abstract

Background: With the publication of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the description of functional health as opposed to symptoms of illness has gained in importance. Aims: To study the interrelation between disorders of functions, capacity and participation in mental disorders. Method: Two hundred and thirteen psychosomatic inpatients were assessed with the Mini-ICF-Rating for Mental Disorders (Mini-ICF-P), the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and an interview on sick leave. Results: The highest scores in the Mini-ICF-P were found for `flexibility' ( M = 1.64, SD = 0.94), `structuring of tasks' ( M = 1.12, SD = 1.05) and `endurance' ( M = 1.12, SD = 1.02), the lowest for `self maintenance' ( M = 0.19, SD = 0.44), `mobility' ( M = 0.43, SD = 0.85) and `adherence to regulations' ( M = 0.74, SD = 0.98). The correlation between Mini-ICF-P and SCL-90-R GSI is r = 0.51 ( p < 0.001), between sick leave and GSI is r = —0.05 and between sick leave and Mini-ICF-P r = 0.34 ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Disorders of capacity are more closely related to disorders of participation/sick leave than disorders of functions.