[Psychiatric morbidity in homeless single men].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this cross sectional study was to establish the extent of psychiatric morbidity among homeless men and compare this group with a sample of formerly homeless.


METHODS
[corrected] 82 homeless and a comparison group of 37 formerly homeless were interviewed using a psychopathological interview according to AMDP (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für medizinische Dokumentation) as well as selected modules of the CIDI (Composite International Diagnostic Interview). Diagnoses were established according to ICD-10.


RESULTS
The lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders was 95.1 %, the current prevalence was 87.8 %. Substance related disorders were the most common group of disorders. In the formerly homeless prevalences were slightly lower.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatric morbidity among the homeless is high. Services have to be tailored to meet the needs of this special group. Formerly homeless continue to need intensive psychiatric input.
Völlm
Birgit
B
Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. birgit.vollm@man.ac.uk
Becker
Hinnerk
H
Kunstmann
Wilfried
W
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008609:Mental Status Schedule / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D012847:Single Person / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012946:Social Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology