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Psychopathology, Social and Cognitive Functioning in a Hostel for Homeless Women

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Clive E. Adams ,
Christos Pantelis ,
Peter J. Duke  and
Thomas R. E. Barnes
Clive E. Adams*
Affiliation:
Academic Unit, Gordon & Horton Hospitals, Gordon Hospital, Bloomburg Street, London SW1V 9RT
Christos Pantelis
Affiliation:
Academic Unit, Gordon & Horton Hospitals, Gordon Hospital, Bloomburg Street, London SW1V 9RT
Peter J. Duke
Affiliation:
Academic Unit, Gordon & Horton Hospitals, Gordon Hospital, Bloomburg Street, London SW1V 9RT
Thomas R. E. Barnes
Affiliation:
Academic Unit, Gordon & Horton Hospitals, Gordon Hospital, Bloomburg Street, London SW1V 9RT
*
Dr Clive E. Adams, University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX
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Abstract

Background

This study surveyed all residents in a hostel for homeless women. Demographic data, and information on past and present psychiatric and social morbidity and current and premorbid cognitive functioning were collected.

Method

A four week prevalence study using: SCID–PD; a semi-structured interview; GHQ; SBS; Manchester Scale; MMSE; and NART; the data were analysed using SPSS.

Results

The women originated from across the social spectrum and disruption of early family life was common. Fifty per cent had a ‘severe mental illness’ and most were not receiving drug treatment. High levels of active psychotic symptoms were present. Women with psychosis had suffered a greater intellectual decline from their premorbid levels of functioning than those without psychosis.

Conclusions

The study affirmed findings of earlier studies employing case-series methodology. Women with high levels of psychiatric morbidity and social dysfunction were being managed by care workers in a way that may promote stability rather than a drift into street-life.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 168 , Issue 1 , January 1996 , pp. 82 - 86
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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