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. 2004 Jan;94(1):103-8.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.94.1.103.

Are rates of psychiatric disorders in the homeless population changing?

Carol S North  1 , Karin M Eyrich, David E Pollio, Edward L Spitznagel
Affiliations

Are rates of psychiatric disorders in the homeless population changing?

Carol S North et al. Am J Public Health. 2004 Jan.

Abstract

Objectives: 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.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Lifetime prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders, by cohort and gender. Note. Compared with the 1980 Epidemiologic Catchment Area study, *P ≤ .05, **P ≤ .01, ***P ≤ .001; compared with the 1990 study, aP ≤ .05, bP ≤ .01, cP ≤ .001.
FIGURE 2—
FIGURE 2—
Lifetime prevalence of specific substance abuse/dependence diagnoses, by cohort and gender. Note. Compared with the 1980 Epidemiologic Catchment Area study, *P ≤ .05, **P ≤ .01, ***P ≤ .001; compared with the 1990 study, aP ≤ .05, bP ≤ .01, cP ≤ .001.
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