Healthcare professionals working with individuals experiencing homelessness are acutely aware of the intersection between homelessness and mental health disorders. Seeking deeper insights into this relationship, researchers at the University of Calgary conducted a comprehensive review spanning from 1980 to 2021.
Lead researcher Seitz and colleagues analyzed studies focusing on the prevalence of mental health disorders among homeless individuals aged 18 and older. The findings, published in JAMA Psychiatry, underscored a strikingly high prevalence of mental health disorders within this demographic.
According to the study, males experienced a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders, reaching 86 percent, compared to females at 69 percent. Substance use disorder emerged as the most prevalent condition, affecting 44 percent of individuals, followed by antisocial personality disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Seitz highlighted the alarming concentration of illness within the homeless population, with one in ten individuals suffering from a serious mental illness. Moreover, the prevalence of psychotic disorders among the homeless was found to be eight times higher than that of the general population.
Over the years covered by the reviewed studies, researchers observed a concerning increase in the number of homeless individuals experiencing mental illness. In response, Dr. Rebecca Barry emphasized the urgent need for targeted, evidence-based interventions that integrate mental health supports with housing and financial assistance.
The study’s authors acknowledged the complex relationship between mental health disorders and homelessness, recognizing a likely bidirectional causality. Dr. Barry stressed the importance of addressing both aspects to effectively meet the needs of this vulnerable population.
Seitz revealed that the study serves as the foundation for a larger project funded by the Calgary Health Foundation. This ongoing initiative aims to assess the prevalence of mental health disorders and homelessness in Calgary, leveraging population health data and insights from the Calgary Homeless Foundation.
Looking ahead, Seitz advocated for integrated interventions and gender-specific approaches tailored to address the multifaceted challenges of homelessness and its associated health disparities. The researchers emphasized the imperative of collaborative efforts to bridge health and housing data, facilitating a more nuanced understanding of the needs of homeless individuals and informing targeted interventions and support services.
