Psychiatric disorders in and service use by young homeless people

• Published in: Medical journal of Australia Vol. 161; no. 7; p. 429
• Main Authors: Reilly, J J, Herrman, H E, Clarke, D M, Neil, C C, McNamara, C L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia 03.10.1994
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Australia - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Homeless Youth - psychology; Homeless Youth - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders - diagnosis; Mental Disorders - epidemiology; Mental Disorders - therapy; Mental Health Services - statistics & numerical data; Morbidity; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Substance-Related Disorders - epidemiology; Substance-Related Disorders - rehabilitation
• ISSN: 0025-729X
• DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1994.tb127524.x

To examine psychiatric morbidity, including substance use disorders, and service use in young people with experience of homelessness. A cross-sectional study of 34 new residents in a supported accommodation program in Melbourne. Current and lifetime psychiatric diagnoses were made using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, third edition, revised (DSM-III-R). Use of psychiatric and related services was also assessed. Of the 21 women and 13 men (mean age, 18.1 years; standard deviation, 2.2 years), 50% had a current major DSM-III-R diagnosis, and 82% had a lifetime DSM-III-R diagnosis. The most common diagnoses were alcohol dependence, depressive disorders and cannabis dependence. Co-morbidity was common. Few of the young people had sought or received any treatment for depressive or substance use disorders. Young people with experience of homelessness have a high prevalence of depressive disorders and substance use disorders, particularly alcohol and cannabis dependence. Despite this they have a low rate of service use. These findings suggest a need for closer interaction between mental health professionals and other agencies in the planning and provision of services to young homeless people.