Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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The challenge of a “triple diagnosis”: identifying and serving homeless Canadian adults with a dual diagnosis
- Authors:
- LOUGHEED Donna C., FARRELL Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), 2013, pp.230-235.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Adults with both a mental illness and intellectual disability (in Canada, a “dual diagnosis”) and who reside in shelters for the homeless are vulnerable and at risk for physical, sexual, and financial abuse. Their mental illnesses are difficult to diagnose and treat, and their intellectual impairments are difficult to ascertain. The authors review the existing literature on homelessness and intellectual disability, and use this and their extensive clinical experience with the homeless in a large Canadian city to identify and extrapolate reasons for the challenges facing both these individuals and the agencies and organizations that serve them. Challenges to providing appropriate services include, identifying and linking with these adults; recognizing the implications of the level of the intellectual delay and the mental illness on the individual's ability to cope, and stay safe; understanding the wants and needs of the individual; expanding the mandate of the agencies and professionals wanting to serve this group; and developing policy that will both provide appropriate support of the individual, but also provide protection, if necessary by legal means. They further suggest that focal services should be based on the following characteristics: flexibility, meeting the client where he or she lives, consideration of capacity to consent in order to avoid neglect issues, and understanding of the lifelong and pervasive effects of intellectual delay in all facets of life. Though the population discussed is resident in Canada, these issues apply to individuals in other countries, as well, where there are concerns about these vulnerable adults with a “triple diagnosis.” (Edited publisher abstract)
Medical-social divide hindering homeless people
- Author:
- JOHNSON Robin
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 12.8.10, 2010, p.28.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
The need for homelessness services to develop a greater understanding of the emotional needs of homeless people is highlighted. The author draws on the new guidance 'Meeting the psychological and emotional needs of people who are homeless' issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the government's National Mental Health Development Unit.
Service without substance: addressing the gaps in service provision for street homeless people with a dual diagnosis
- Author:
- SHELTER
- Publisher:
- Shelter
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This briefing looks at addressing the gaps in service provision for street homeless people with a dual diagnosis. Mental health needs and drug/alcohol use can often be interrelated issues for street homeless people. This briefing looks at addressing both issues through collaborative working between service providers so that street homeless people with a dual diagnosis are provided with integrated treatment and support to address their complex needs.
A comparison of the needs of homeless and never homeless patients with psychotic disorders
- Authors:
- COMMANDER Martin J., ODELL Sue M.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 10(4), August 2001, pp.449-456.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Although the large number of people with psychotic disorders who are homeless has triggered the development of targeted outreach services, it is uncertain whether, aside from their social circumstances, the needs of these patients differ from those of their residentially, stable counterparts. Reports on matched case control study of homeless and never homeless patients with psychotic disorders. Patients were recruited from psychiatric services and data collected through interviews with patients and their key workers as well as a review of their case notes. Homeless patients were more symptomatic and behaviourally disturbed than controls. They were significantly more likely to have a criminal history and to be identified by key workers as having problems related to substance use. Homeless patients were less likely to have been born in Birmingham and to have ongoing contact with childhood carers but despite being less aware of the need for treatment, uptake of psychiatric care was comparable with that of controls. Discusses the implications for the development of dedicated mental health services for this population.
Women on the edge
- Author:
- ALLEN Daniel
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 5.12.96, 1996, pp.24-25.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
There is a growing number of homeless mentally ill women on the streets, but not the services designed specifically for them. Looks at a report which suggests some solutions.
Living with dual diagnosis and homelessness: marginalized within a marginalized group
- Authors:
- SCHUTZ Christian G., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 15(2), 2019, pp.88-94.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Objective: Concurrent mental and substance use disorders or dual diagnosis are highly prevalent among individuals experiencing homelessness. Studies have indicated that dual diagnosis leads to poorer health outcomes and higher health service utilization among those affected. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of dual diagnoses among homeless populations in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and understand their characteristics and specific factors associated with dual diagnoses. Methods: The BC Health of the Homeless Survey is a cross-sectional study involving the homeless population of three cities in BC. The survey assessed addiction and concurrent disorders with standardized interviews—the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus, the Maudsley Addiction Profile, and the Brief Symptom Inventory—in a sample of 500 individuals who are homeless living in shelters or on the street. Individuals were characterized into four groups: those without any current mental disorder, those with substance use disorders only, those with mental disorders only, and those with concurrent substance use and mental disorders. Focusing on the concurrent disorder group, multivariate analysis comparing individuals with dual diagnosis to those without concurrent disorders was completed. Results: Consistent with previous studies, individuals with dual diagnoses report more severe physical and psychological symptoms. Among the homeless, they were more likely to be Aboriginal and younger and more likely to not make it into a shelter. They also reported substantially more difficulties in getting the health care service that they need. Conclusions: Within this marginalized group, individuals with dual diagnosis were more likely to be from groups considered to be more vulnerable with more complex needs. They were having more problems accessing even basic support, such as shelters and health care. Without a systematic approach in providing appropriate care to individuals with dual diagnosis, the most vulnerable clients are not only the ones likely to suffer the most but also the ones having the most problems meeting their basic needs. (Edited publisher abstract)
St Basils psychologically informed environments: meeting the emotional and psychological needs of young homeless people
- Authors:
- CUMMINGS Jennifer, SKEATE Amanda, ANDERSON Giles
- Publisher:
- Housing Learning and Improvement Network
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 9
- Place of publication:
- London
This case study outlines how a West Midlands based housing service providing supported accommodation and other services to young homeless people, has implemented and evaluated a bespoke psychologically-informed environment (PIE) to meet the emotional and psychological needs of their clients. The service found that that many clients had suffered from some degree of emotional trauma and have a history of abuse, neglect, broken relationships and were increasingly presenting with complex trauma and multiple needs. The case study focusses on the transformation of St Basils into a psychologically-aware housing service through developing a psychological framework, developing the physical environment and social spaces, staff training and support, managing relationships and ongoing evaluation and evidencing of impact. (Edited publisher abstract)
Addressing complex needs: improving services for vulnerable homeless people
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Department for Communities and Local Government
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department for Communities and Local Government
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 22
- Place of publication:
- London
This report summarises the work of the cross-government Ministerial Working Group on Homelessness since its inception in 2010 and also looks at what still needs to be achieved in relation to homeless people with complex or multiple support needs. It outlines the specific needs of homeless people with overlapping mental health, offending or substance misuses problems and the estimated costs associated with meeting these needs. It then sets out a new approach to delivering services for homeless people with complex needs. This includes locally-led commissioning of services, giving the voluntary sector a key role in working with those with complex needs, and the use of payment by results and social investment. The final chapter presents a set of call for evidence questions to those working in the sector. (Edited publisher abstract)
Down and out?: the final report of St Mungo's Call 4 evidence: mental health and street homelessness
- Author:
- ST. MUNGO'S
- Publisher:
- St. Mungo's
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 63p.
- Place of publication:
- London
More than 90 submissions were received following the Call for Evidence. These came from a range of sectors: mental health organisations, homeless agencies, individual service users and healthcare professionals, local authorities, campaigning groups, Primary Care Trusts, community groups, government departments and other organisations. Oral hearings were also held. This report analyses and reports on the material gathered. It summarises the nature of the mental health and homelessness problem, covering politics and policy, definition of mental illness, gaps in services, and social exclusion. It looks at health care and social care for homeless people, and discusses the recovery journey and the way forward. It includes recommendations, and brief illustrations of good working. The Chief Executive of St Mungo's notes that the report sets out a case for reform, using a range of evidence gathered to "highlight the inadequacy of the current system of treatment, care and support" to meet the mental health needs of homeless people.
Improving homeless Londoners' mental health
- Author:
- HOMELESS LINK
- Publisher:
- Homeless Link
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 10p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Homeless Link undertook qualitative research to inform a project to support 6 homelessness agencies to improve their responses to clients' mental health problems. The study involved interviews with staff and clients from 3 hostels: a generic project for women, a drug and alcohol specific project for young people, and a specific mental health hostel. This report, based on the research, aims to illustrate the issues that both the homeless and mental health sectors need to consider to create effective care pathways for homeless clients. It identifies 4 key challenges: improving communication and specialist knowledge, ensuring statutory support for the full range of clients' mental health needs, creating partnerships which will make homeless hostels places of well-being, and working successfully with GPs. It discusses the findings in each area, with illustrations from the interviews, and presents some suggested solutions.