[Threatened homelessness and mental disorders. Prevalence and influencing factors in populations at risk]

Abstract

Background: This study aims to assess the psychiatric morbidity of persons at risk of homelessness and to analyze correlations and risk factors between homelessness and mental disorders.

Methods: The sample included 101 citizens of Mannheim, Germany, who were immediately threatened by eviction. Mental disorders were diagnosed using a standardized test, and other factors were also assessed. Data from August 2000 to June 2002 were collected.

Results: Acute mental disorders requiring treatment were determined in 79.3% of the study sample. Addiction disorders (alcoholism) played a major role. Personality, anxiety, and affective disorders were even more frequent than in a control group of homeless people in the same region, whereas schizophrenia and other mental disorders were similarly prevalent. Regression analyses confirmed unemployment, alcoholism, and male gender as the most important risk factors for homelessness among people threatened by eviction.

Conclusions: The results suggest that prevention strategies should be multidimensional and interdisciplinary.