Letter to the Editor

Homelessness and Emergency Psychiatric Evaluations

Authors: Rif S. El-Mallakh, MD, Raja Nanda Gopal Mogallapu, MD

Abstract

To the Editor: Homelessness is associated with increased illness burden and increased utilization of emergency health services.1,2 Mental illness and substance abuse are both common in the homeless population.2 Major societal distress from events such as Superstorm Sandy has been associated with increased rates of homelessness and emergency department visits.3

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References

1. Hibbs JR, Benner L, Klugman L, et al. Mortality in a cohort of homeless adults in Philadelphia. N Engl J Med 1994;331:304-309.
 
2. Pasic J, Russo J, Roy-Byrne P. High utilizers of psychiatric emergency services. Psychiatr Serv 2005;56:678-684.
 
3. Doran KM, McCormack RP, Johns EL, et al. Emergency department visits for homelessness or inadequate housing in New York City before and after Hurricane Sandy. J Urban Health 2016;93:331-344.
 
4. McNiel DE, Binder RL. Psychiatric emergency service use and homelessness, mental disorder, and violence. Psychiatr Serv 2005;56:699-704.
 
5. Young AS, Chinman MJ, Cradock-O’Leary JA, et al.  Characteristics of individuals with severe mental illness who use emergency services. Community Ment Health J 2005;41:159-168.