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. 2013 Jun;103(6):e24-37.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301318. Epub 2013 Apr 18.

Psychopathology in young people experiencing homelessness: a systematic review

Kate J Hodgson  1 , Katherine H Shelton, Marianne B M van den Bree, Férenc J Los
Affiliations

Psychopathology in young people experiencing homelessness: a systematic review

Kate J Hodgson et al. Am J Public Health. 2013 Jun.

Abstract

Understanding mental health issues faced by young homeless persons is instrumental to the development of successful targeted interventions. No systematic review of recent published literature on psychopathology in this group has been completed. We conducted a systematic review of published research examining the prevalence of psychiatric problems among young homeless people. We examined the temporal relationship between homelessness and psychopathology. We collated 46 articles according to the PRISMA Statement. All studies that used a full psychiatric assessment consistently reported a prevalence of any psychiatric disorder from 48% to 98%. Although there was a lack of longitudinal studies of the temporal relationship between psychiatric disorders and homelessness, findings suggested a reciprocal link. Supporting young people at risk for homelessness could reduce homelessness incidence and improve mental health.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Flow diagram of study selection for systematic review of published research on prevalence of psychiatric disorders among young homeless people.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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