Psychiatric disorders in and service use by young homeless people.
OBJECTIVE
To examine psychiatric morbidity, including substance use disorders, and service use in young people with experience of homelessness.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Reilly
J J
JJ
Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Vic.
Herrman
H E
HE
Clarke
D M
DM
Neil
C C
CC
McNamara
C L
CL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D018453:Homeless Youth / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009017:Morbidity; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation