Are rates of psychiatric disorders in the homeless population changing?
OBJECTIVE
We examined the prevalence of psychiatric illness among 3 homeless populations in St. Louis, Mo, in approximately 1980, 1990, and 2000. The 3 studies were conducted with the same systemic research methodology.


METHODS
We compared selected demographics and lifetime substance abuse and dependence and other mental illness among the 3 populations.


RESULTS
Among the homeless populations we studied, the prevalence of mood and substance use disorders dramatically increased, and the number of minorities within these populations has increased.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of psychiatric illness, including substance abuse and dependence, is not static in the homeless population. Service systems need to be aware of potential prevalence changes and the impact of these changes on service needs.
North
Carol S
CS
Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. northc@psychiatry.wustl.edu
Eyrich
Karin M
KM
Pollio
David E
DE
Spitznagel
Edward L
EL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D003710:Demography; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012984:Software; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology