Psychiatric disorders and substance use in homeless youth: a preliminary comparison of san francisco and chicago.

Ernika G Quimby,Zoe Ganim,Scott J Hunter,Jennifer P Edidin,Niranjan S Karnik,Erika Gustafson

doi:10.3390/bs2030186

Abstract

Youth homelessness is a growing problem in the United States. The experience of homelessness appears to have numerous adverse consequences, including psychiatric and substance use disorders. This study compared the frequencies of psychiatric disorders, including substance use, between homeless youth (18–24 years-old) in San Francisco (N = 31) and Chicago (N = 56). Subjects were administered the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) to assess DSM-IV-TR diagnoses and substance use disorders. Eighty-seven percent of the San Francisco youth, and 81% of the Chicago youth met criteria for at least one M.I.N.I. psychiatric diagnosis. Nearly two-thirds of the youth in both samples met criteria for a mood disorder. Approximately one-third met criteria for an anxiety disorder. Thirty-two percent of the San Francisco sample and 18% of the Chicago met criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder. Approximately 84% of the San Francisco youth and 48% of the Chicago youth met criteria for a substance-related disorder, and more substances were used by San Francisco youth. In conclusion, the high rate of psychiatric disorders in homeless youth provides clear evidence that the mental health needs of this population are significant. Implications are discussed.

Highlights

An estimated 1.7 million youth are homeless in the United States [1]
This study investigated frequencies of psychiatric disorders among homeless youth, including substance-related disorders in two cities (Chicago and San Francisco) where data collection was made possible by collaborations between members of our research team and local homeless youth service organizations
Consistent with prior studies, rates of psychiatric disorders among homeless youth were high across both San Francisco and Chicago

Summary

Introduction

An estimated 1.7 million youth are homeless in the United States [1] These youth are at risk for a myriad of problems including low academic achievement, psychopathology, and physical health problems. Experiences during adolescence are thought to have an impact on brain development and impaired development can in turn lead to problems including increased risk taking behaviors [3,4,5,6]. Such findings may help explain why homeless youth have substance use rates that are double that of their housed counterparts [7,8]. Rates of numerous psychiatric disorders are higher among homeless youth, including mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, and it has been found that homeless youth often have co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses [9]

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion