Homelessness and mental health

Abstract

AbstractThere is considerable research evidence indicating that rates of psychiatric disorders are higher in homeless individuals, although, in some cases, psychiatric illnesses may lead to homelessness. It is likely that in spite of high rates of illness, individuals who are homeless or are in insecure housing may be more reluctant to seek help. Thus, it is of paramount importance to enable homeless people with mental illness to access mental health services easily, which is a worldwide challenge. Homelessness and psychiatric disorders are both strongly affected by other social determinants and thus may feed into each other. A significant improvement in the health of these persons can be through outreach programmes leading to early detection of psychiatric disorders. In view of the great vulnerability to which the homeless are exposed, the special psychological treatments they may need are obvious, but interventions require joined up thinking between health, housing, employment, education, justice, and other ministries. Each nation may need to develop optimal models of social care and rehabilitation that rely on the particular research-driven needs of homeless people with mental illnesses. In order to improve the availability of services to the homeless, it is also important to consider and value their experiences and opinions. Many underprivileged groups such as refugees and migrants, adolescents, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, LGBTIQ, and homeless individuals may need extra input. The well-recognized association between homelessness and mental illness needs to be addressed at multiple levels in any society.