MENTAL-HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG HOMELESS ADOLESCENTS

This paper reviews 18 surveys of mental health problems among homeless adolescents and reports on a pilot study of the same topic conducted in Amsterdam. Sampling methods and measures of mental health are discu ssed. The reported estimates of mental health problems vary greatly ve ry probably because of methodological differences. Despite the differe nt methods used, there seems to be considerable research evidence to s upport a high prevalence of mental disorders among homeless adolescent s. The results of the pilot study of 50 homeless adolescents in Amster dam are consistent with the surveys reviewed. A highly structured inte rview was conducted at all four services sites for homeless adolescent s in Amsterdam. Of the homeless adolescents interviewed, 78% had at le ast one lifetime DIS/DSM-III-R diagnosis, and 64% had at least one 1-m onth diagnosis.