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Psychiatric disorders in and service use by young homeless people.
- Source :
-
The Medical journal of Australia [Med J Aust] 1994 Oct 03; Vol. 161 (7), pp. 429-32. - Publication Year :
- 1994
-
Abstract
- Objectives: To examine psychiatric morbidity, including substance use disorders, and service use in young people with experience of homelessness.<br />Design: A cross-sectional study of 34 new residents in a supported accommodation program in Melbourne. Current and lifetime psychiatric diagnoses were made using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, third edition, revised (DSM-III-R). Use of psychiatric and related services was also assessed.<br />Results: Of the 21 women and 13 men (mean age, 18.1 years; standard deviation, 2.2 years), 50% had a current major DSM-III-R diagnosis, and 82% had a lifetime DSM-III-R diagnosis. The most common diagnoses were alcohol dependence, depressive disorders and cannabis dependence. Co-morbidity was common. Few of the young people had sought or received any treatment for depressive or substance use disorders.<br />Conclusions: Young people with experience of homelessness have a high prevalence of depressive disorders and substance use disorders, particularly alcohol and cannabis dependence. Despite this they have a low rate of service use. These findings suggest a need for closer interaction between mental health professionals and other agencies in the planning and provision of services to young homeless people.
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Australia epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Homeless Youth statistics & numerical data
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders diagnosis
Mental Disorders therapy
Morbidity
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Substance-Related Disorders rehabilitation
Homeless Youth psychology
Mental Disorders epidemiology
Mental Health Services statistics & numerical data
Substance-Related Disorders epidemiology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0025-729X
- Volume :
- 161
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The Medical journal of Australia
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 7935097
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1994.tb127524.x