The improvements of exercise tolerance and FVC were observed in all patients in the first three years of treatment and were the most pronounced in the longest-treated patients and with the least severe neurological and respiratory symptoms. Our research suggests that early start of the ERT results in higher improvement of respiratory and ambulation functions.

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Our results can help harmonize standards for MT in Poland according to international guidelines.

AimsThe impact of bipolar spectrum (BS) disorders on professional functioning has not been systematically reviewed yet. Since even subsyndromal symptoms may disturb functioning, the determination of the prognostic value of the spectrum of bipolarity for employment seems extremely relevant. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of BS disorders on professional functioning.Materials and methodsA systematic review of the literature (namely, cohort and cross-sectional studies) investigating a link between BS disorders and employment was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. BS was defined based on the concept of two-dimensional BS by Angst. Occupational outcomes and factors affecting employment were evaluated as well.ResultsSeventy-four studies were included. All disorders comprising BS had a negative impact on occupational status, work performance, work costs, and salary, with the greatest unfavorable effect reported by bipolar disorder (BD), followed by borderline personality disorder (BPD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and dysthymia. Employment rates ranged from 40 to 75% (BD), 33 to 67% (BPD), 61 to 88% (MDD), and 86% (dysthymia). The factors affecting employment most included: cognitive impairments, number/severity of symptoms, namely, subsyndromal symptoms (mainly depressive), older age, education, and comorbidity (substance abuse, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD).ConclusionBipolar spectrum symptoms exert a negative impact on professional functioning. Further evaluation of affecting factors is crucial for preventing occupational disability.

Purpose: Over the recent years, the number of people over 54 years of age, who decide to make use of early retirement, has systematically increased. Economic inactivation is also an emerging problem in the group of younger adults. Depression or depressive symptoms should be taken into consideration in analysing variables that may play a role in the decisional process regarding occupational activities. The aim of the present work is to summarise the role of depression or depressive symptoms in the process of decision-making to continue occupational activities or to quit them. Review: The authors listed and discussed the most recent and representative surveys and studies regarding causes of retirement, concentrating especially on depression and depressive symptoms. The studies summarised here include the Health and Retirement Study, English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe and WHO's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. It has been shown, that prevalence of depressive symptoms of different severity in professionally active people may range from 6% to 32%. Depressive symptoms significantly increase the chance for retirement. Conclusions: Depressive disorders can affect people in all age categories and are one of the main cause of early disability retirement or early retirement tendencies. It is important to consider depressive disorders in policies supporting labour force participation.