[Psychiatric disorders in homeless persons--Anglo-American studies of epidemiology and management].

The state of Anglo-American research on psychiatric disorders among homeless persons is summarised. Several authors reported on life-time prevalence (50-75%) and present prevalence rates (30-50%) of psychiatric disorders in this population. Alcohol-related and drug-related disorders were most frequent. Most studies, however, only included single and male subjects, while there is little information on homeless persons living with a partner or in a family. Up to now, no representative studies exist. Some recent investigations evaluated classic single case models versus case management approaches. Short-term programmes only yielded short-term effects, but linking psychiatric and social services seems to improve health service utilization by the homeless.