[Work, income, intimate relationships: social exclusion of the mentally ill].

OBJECTIVES

There are no valid data on the social exclusion of mentally ill people in Germany. This study analyses the social exclusion of the mentally ill.

METHODS

With a Scientific Use File on early retirement in 2003, we found a nationally representative database for chronically ill persons. The inclusion in the working market, the work income and the exclusion of intimate relationships of chronically mentally ill people are compared to those of physically disabled people.

RESULTS

Mentally ill persons are more excluded than physically ill persons on all three indicators. This is especially true for persons with schizophrenia and alcohol addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

Scientifically sound instruments such as Supported Employment need to be implemented in Germany, too.