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Cognitive Function and Duration of Rooflessness in Entrants to a Hostel for Homeless Men

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Alexander J. Bremner ,
Peter J. Duke ,
Hazel E. Nelson ,
Christos Pantelis  and
Thomas R. E. Barnes
Alexander J. Bremner*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London
Peter J. Duke
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London
Hazel E. Nelson
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Horton Hospital, Epsom
Christos Pantelis
Affiliation:
Cognitive Neuro-psychiatry Unit, Mental Health Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
Thomas R. E. Barnes
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London
*
Dr A. J. Bremner c/o Martineau, 137 West End Lane, London NW6 2PH
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Abstract

Background

Four previous studies of homeless adults have yielded conflicting results regarding the presence of cognitive impairment.

Method

A consecutive series of 80 roofless entrants to a hostel for homeless men were sampled and 62 (76%) completed a range of assessments, including measures of mental state, cognitive functions and substance use.

Results

Estimated premorbid IQ (mean=96), current IQ (mean=84) and cognitive speed were significantly lower than the norm. There was a significant IQ drop in all diagnostic groups. IQ drop, but not current IQ, correlated with duration of rooflessness. Those with schizophrenia or alcohol problems were roofless for longest. Alcohol misuse did not correlate with IQ drop, excepting alcohol withdrawal symptoms in those with schizophrenia.

Conclusion

The hypothesis that low IQ is a risk factor for rooflessness is supported. However, length of rooflessness was more closely related to IQ drop than to current IQ, suggesting that some third factor may be affecting both rooflessness and intellectual functioning. Roofless men with schizophrenia or alcohol problems may be especially at risk of long-term rooflessness.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 169 , Issue 4 , October 1996 , pp. 434 - 439
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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