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Mental illness and substance use among sheltered homeless persons in lower-density population areas
J P Kales1, M A Barone, E O Bixler
1Department of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey 17033, USA.
Objective:
The prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse in homeless populations has been studied primarily in large urban areas. This study examines a sheltered homeless population in two counties of lower-density population, Dauphin and Cumberland counties in central Pennsylvania, to assess the prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse.
Methods:
A total of 81 homeless adults from nine emergency shelters were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.
Results:
The estimated lifetime prevalence rate of major depressive disorder was 26.6 percent; 6.4 percent of the sample showed evidence of psychotic thinking. Almost one-third reported previous hospitalization for emotional problems, and about one-third reported a suicide attempt. The estimated lifetime prevalence rate of alcohol or drug abuse or dependence was almost 60 percent.
Conclusions:
Although mental illness, especially psychosis, and substance abuse may be somewhat less prevalent among homeless persons in lower-density population areas than in large urban areas, they are nevertheless significant problems.