Schizophrenia among homeless people in inner-Sydney: Current prevalence and historical trends.

Background: There are high prevalence rates of schizophrenia among people who are homeless. Whether the prevalence has increased over the past two decades remains unclear. Aims: To assess the prevalence of schizophrenia among people who use refuges for the homeless, and to compare the current prevalence to prevalence rates in the same refuges since 1983. Method: Two hundred and ten homeless men and women residing at or visiting the seven largest refuges in inner-Sydney were screened for possible psychosis. Persons who screened positive for psychosis were referred to the psychiatrist for diagnosis of possible or definite schizophrenia. The BPRS-E (expanded Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) was completed for all participants with possible or definite schizophrenia. Results: The prevalence rate for possible or definite schizophrenia among the men was 23% to 30%. This compares to 16% in 1983 and 26% in 1988. The current prevalence for women was 46% to 50%, which compares to 33% in 1989; a difference which is not significant. The majority of participants with schizophrenia were scored as having 'non-pathological symptoms' on the BPRS/E. Conclusions: The prevalence of schizophrenia has remained relatively stable over the past two decades despite deinstitutionalisation continuing over the same period. Declaration of interest: Tracey Hodder was salaried by a research grant from a combined fund of Sydney City Mission, Society of St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, Wesley Mission and the Haymarket Foundation, and from the Centre for Mental Health, New South Wales, Department of Health. No other funds were assigned to the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]