Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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The relationship between victimization and mental health functioning in homeless youth and adults
- Authors:
- RATTELADE Stephanie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 29(9), 2014, pp.1606-1622.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This study examined the relationship between victimization and mental health functioning in homeless individuals. Homeless populations experience higher levels of victimisation than the general population, which in turn have a detrimental effect on their mental health. A sample of 304 homeless adults and youth completed one-on-one interviews, answering questions on mental health, past victimisation, and recent victimisation experiences. A hierarchical linear regression showed that experiences of childhood sexual abuse predicted lower mental health functioning after controlling for the sex and age of individuals. The study findings are applicable to current support programmes for victims in the homeless population and are relevant to future research on homelessness and victimisation. (Edited publisher abstract)
Psychopathology among young homeless people: longitudinal mental health outcomes for different subgroups
- Authors:
- HODGSON Kate J., SHELTON Katherine H., VAN DEN BREE Marianne B.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 54(3), 2015, pp.307-325.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objectives: This study aimed to examine prevalence and subtypes of psychopathology among a British sample of young homeless people and to investigate potential associations between identified typologies and a priori specified current and past experiences. In addition, the study intended to explore physical health, mental health, and housing outcomes for the different mental health subgroups. Methods: Structured interviews including a mental health assessment were conducted with 90 young homeless people aged 16–23 years. Follow-up interviews were conducted approximately 10 and 20 months later. Cluster analysis at baseline was used to identify groups based on lifetime mental health problems. Results: The current and lifetime incidence of mental health problems was high (88% and 93%, respectively). Three subgroups of homeless young people were identified: (1) minimal mental health issues; (2) mood, substance, and conduct disorder; and (3) post-traumatic stress disorder, mood, and anxiety issues. These groups differed with respect to follow-up indicators of change and stability of mental health status, service use, and suicide risk, but not housing outcome. Other characteristics (gender ratio, past experiences) also distinguished the subgroups. Conclusions: Typologies of young homeless people based on psychopathology reveal differences in lifetime and future experiences including mental health at follow-up. Identified groups could be used to tailor interventions towards differing needs. (Edited publisher abstract)
Falling between the same old cracks
- Author:
- MICKEL Andrew
- Journal article citation:
- Young Minds Magazine, 103, December 2009, pp.18-19.
- Publisher:
- YoungMinds
The link between poor mental health and homelessness has been known for some time, but a new report reveals there is still ignorance and lack of action among agencies to develop a coordinated response.
Getting it together: an information pack about ways of serving vulnerable young people with both housing and mental health support needs
- Authors:
- SHERLOCK Jan, HARDING Caroline, comps
- Publisher:
- Good Practices in Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 1996
- Pagination:
- 28p.,16 fact sheets,list of orgs
- Place of publication:
- London
Information pack containing: discussion papers addressing key issues in work with homeless young people with mental health problems; 16 detailed descriptions of projects; and brief descriptions of 150 other projects under topic headings, including contact details.
No fixed abode: the housing struggle for young people leaving custody in England
- Authors:
- GLOVER Jane, CLEWETT Naomi
- Publisher:
- Barnardo's
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 54p.
- Place of publication:
- Ilford
Young people in custody are some of the most vulnerable in society, a quarter have special educational needs, 40% have been homeless and almost 20% have depression. This research set out to examine the realities of accommodation and support for young people leaving custody by following their resettlement journeys. It also examined whether adaptations to statutory guidance in recent years have had an impact, and to understand the cost savings that could be made if young people are better supported on release. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 15 young people in a secure estate, and 27 professionals about the challenges of ensuring that young people in the secure estate are supported into suitable accommodation. For each young person, a case study is presented. Children and young people as young as 13 are being placed back with families unable to cope and with little support – resulting in homelessness some months after release. The research concluded that supported accommodation could provide savings of more than £67,000 per child over a three year period.
Watching cars go past: a study of homeless young people's experiences of accessing mental health services in South Gloucestershire
- Author:
- BATTERHAM Mark
- Publisher:
- Kingswood Young Homeless Project
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 87p.
- Place of publication:
- Bristol
Homeless young people are at particular risk of not receiving adequate services because of their age, their social situation and their presenting and underlying mental health needs. This study undertook to gauge the prevalence of mental health needs amongst homeless youth, aged 16 to 19 years, in South Gloucestershire and to elicit information from homeless young people about their experiences of accessing mental health services. The study collected information relating to the incidence and type of mental health needs amongst homeless youth in the year 2005 from providers of accommodation and support and from statutory agencies. Stage two of the study involved face to face, semi-structured interviews with a small sample of homeless youth. The prevalence of mental health needs and learning difficulties was found to be significant although lower than that found in previous studies. Young homeless people's experiences of accessing mental health services were found to be characterised by confusion. They generally expressed a need for emotional and psychological support as well as practical help. There was a preference for youth-oriented services and above all else, these young people valued trustworthiness, friendliness and a non-judgemental approach.
Sectioned: a life interrupted
- Author:
- O'DONOGHUE John
- Publisher:
- John Murray
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 290p.
- Place of publication:
- London
John’s father died when he was 14 and he left school in an attempt to care for his mother but being, as he described it, “as incapable of looking after her as she was of looking after me,” he was fostered. He tells how at the age of 16 he was first admitted to a psychiatric hospital, and the years of medication, ECT and locked wards that followed. Over the following 10 years he was sectioned five times, was in and out of asylums, homeless hostels, squats and lived on the streets. But in his words ”almost over night my life turned around”. He went to university, married and from 2000-2005 was Chair of Survivors’ Poetry.
Making the link between mental health and youth homelessness: a pan-London study
- Author:
- VASILIOU Christina
- Publisher:
- Mental Health Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2006
- Pagination:
- 48p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The increasing numbers of young homeless people with mental health problems are not getting adequate support because services rarely work together to provide the necessary help. The report reveals inadequate mental health services. Over two thirds (69%) of the young homeless people aged 16-25 surveyed for the report have mental health problems. Half (50%) experience regular feelings of anxiety and depression as a result of being homeless, and a fifth (19%) had received a psychiatric diagnosis for schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder or clinical depression prior to becoming homeless. Of those, half (10%) were forced to leave the family home because of their mental health problem. The report claims that despite these figures staff working within housing and youth homelessness services lack the necessary skills to deal with mental health issues and need specialist training. They also struggle to access appropriate support for young people experiencing mental distress. Mental health assessment waiting times are long and this lack of early intervention leaves young people vulnerable to developing more entrenched mental health problems. As a result young people often reach crisis point before being seen by a mental health team. The report highlights that some voluntary sector housing and homelessness support services encounter barriers when trying to refer young people to the statutory sector. This is because mental health services are under resourced and some statutory services are reluctant to accept referrals from the voluntary sector. The research also found that young people with both mental health and drug and alcohol problems often do not get the help they need because services rarely work together making it difficult to provide complete care packages.
Why a ‘roof’ is not enough: the characteristics of young homeless people referred to a designated mental health service
- Authors:
- TAYLOR Helen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 14(4), August 2006, pp.491-501.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Mental health is a growing concern for organizations offering temporary accommodation to young homeless people. The aim was to establish the characteristics of homeless young people referred to a mental health service provided by the non-statutory sector, to determine the appropriateness of referral. The service was provided by five mental health practitioners to 18 Foyers in five regions. Data was collected on 150 consecutively referred young people aged 16 – 25 years on their psychosocial history, mental health problems and risk factors. Young people reported multiple needs such as use of illicit drugs, experience of physical or sexual abuse, and self-harm. They presented with lengthy and recurrent mental health problems from childhood, with intermittent and usually fragmented contact with services. Young people presented with a range of mental complaints, predominantly depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as different risk factors. The young homeless people referred to the mental health service reported a range of complex mental health needs, the majority of which could not be met by statutory specialist services. Young people's lower to medium level mental health needs could be met by services operating on the interface with specialist services, if these are jointly planned and co-coordinated.
Family risk factors and prevalence of dissociative symptoms among homeless and runaway youth
- Authors:
- TYLER Kimberley A., CAUCE Ana Marie, WHITBECK Les
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 28(3), March 2004, pp.355-366.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Three hundred and twenty-eight homeless and runaway youth were interviewed using a systematic sampling strategy in metropolitan Seattle. Homeless young people were interviewed on the streets and in shelters by outreach workers in youth service agencies. The current study revealed widespread prevalence of dissociative symptoms among these young people. Multivariate analyses revealed that sexual abuse, physical abuse, and family mental health problems were all positively associated with dissociative symptoms. No gender differences were found for any of the models. Dissociative behavior is widespread among these youth and may pose a serious mental health concern. Some young people experience numerous stressors, and with few resources and little support available, many may invoke maladaptive strategies such as dissociative behavior to handle such situations, which may in turn be detrimental to their mental health. Unless youth are provided with programmes and intervention, the cycle of abuse that they have experienced at home is likely to continue on the street.