title: Indications of reduced prefrontal cortical function in chronically homeless adults.
abstract: This study investigated why some homeless individuals seem unable to transition towards self-reliance, following traditional supportive services. It was hypothesized that this may be due to some cognitive dysfunction. Chronically homeless adults were compared to controls on three tests of prefrontal competency: the Iowa Gambling Task, Word Fluency (FAS), and the Burglar's Story; they performed significantly worse than controls on all three tests. These results indicate a relationship between chronic homelessness and possible pre-frontal deficits. This may explain why some long-term homeless fail to learn from the consequences of unproductive behavior and to develop more constructive behaviors needed to attain stability.
authors: Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400, University Dr, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.
authors: Dale
authors: D
authors: Davidson
authors: Linda D
authors: LD
authors: Chrosniak
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Wanschura
authors: Jane M
authors: JM
authors: Flinn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012309:Risk-Taking; D055815:Young Adult