Factors Contributing to Homelessness Among the Chronically and Severely Mentally Ill
Abstract
Fifty-three homeless mentally ill patients were studied by two psychiatrists in a treatment setting in which data could be gathered from family members and other third parties as well. All the patients were severely mentally ill when the homelessness immediately preceding the current admission began. For the study group, the disabling functional deficits of major mental illness appeared to be important contributing factors to homelessness. These deficits included disorganized thinking and actions, poor problem-solving skills, inability to mobilize oneself depression, and paranoia that prevented acceptance of help. Other important factors contributing to homelessness were the lack of a comprehensive and effective system of mental health care, substance abuse combined with severe mental illness, and the tendency for chronically and severely mentally ill persons, especially during their youth, to pursue their life goals in an unrealistic or irrational way.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
