Multiple impairment patterns in the mentally ill homeless

The authors discuss the results of a survey of over 8,000 homeless people in 14 shelters in New York City. On the basis of data derived from a common intake form, 25% of the population surveyed were found to suffer from a primary mental disorder. Compared with a group without such problems, the psychiatric patients, the authors note, are far more burdened by health, financial, vocational, and social problems. They conclude that this subpopulation has special needs and requires multiple services 'packaged' in supportive, long-term, residential facilities.