[The Impact of Psychological Comorbidities Concerning a Pension for Reduced Earning Capacity after Medical Rehabilitation].

Background: The role of psychological comorbidities as a risk factor associated with a further chronification in low back pain is evident. In this paper we explore, whether psychological comorbidities recorded in the discharge letters have a time-stable and from other risk factors independent impact on a pension for reduced earning capacity. Methods: A sample of 10% is drawn from a routine data set provided by the German Pension Fund. Several risk factors are defined and presented descriptively. The survival analysis will be accomplished by cox regressions. Results: Younger patients (≤ 55 years) with at least one comorbid mental disorder have a 1.93 times higher chance of getting a pension for reduced earning capacity in the follow-up period. The influence is time stable and independent from other risk factors. Conclusion: A screening of psychological symptoms with a risk stratified therapy could increase the effectiveness.