Psychopathology, social and cognitive functioning in a hostel for homeless women.
BACKGROUND
This study surveyed all residents in a hostel for homeless women. Demographic data, and information on past and present psychiatric and social morbidity, and current and premorbid cognitive functioning were collected.


METHODS
A four week prevalence study, using: SCID-PD; a semi-structured interview; GHQ; SBS; Manchester Scale; MMSE; and NART; the data were analysed using SPSS.


RESULTS
The women originated from across the social spectrum and disruption of early family life was common. Fifty per cent had a 'severe mental illness' and most were not receiving drug treatment. High levels of active psychotic symptoms were present. Women with psychosis had suffered a greater intellectual decline from their premorbid levels of functioning than those without psychosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The study affirmed findings of earlier studies employing case-studies methodology. Women with high levels of psychiatric morbidity and social dysfunction were being managed by care workers in a way that may promote stability rather than a drift into street-life.
Adams
C E
CE
Academic Unit, Gordon Hospital, London.
Pantelis
C
C
Duke
P J
PJ
Barnes
T R
TR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007360:Intelligence; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012917:Social Adjustment; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data