The Homeless Mentally Ill in Germany

Nationwide data obtained from 50+ agencies are drawn on to characterize the homeless mentally ill population in Germany in terms of prevalence & socioeconomic/-demographic background. Current legislation affecting the homeless mentally ill is reviewed, as are extant services available & some etiological explanatory models. Additional data obtained via semistructured clinical interview from 119 single men currently or previously homeless reveal the comorbidity of mental problems in 34.5% & alcohol addiction in 51%. Existing outpatient psychiatric services are found to be fragmented & insufficient. It is argued that psychiatric & social services must work more closely together to meet the needs of the homeless mentally ill population; service strategies at several different levels of intervention are outlined. 3 Tables, 58 References. K. Hyatt Stewart