This paper explores the prevalence of suicidality in a large sample of homeless adults. The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation is quite prevalent in the U.S. (between 5 and 15% of the population), with higher rates among those with mental illness and substance abuse. However, little is known about suicidal ideation and behavior among the homeless. Data come from the national ACCESS Project, which interviewed a sample of 7,221 homeless adults, from 19 cities across the country, about their mental health, substance abuse, physical health, social support, service use, and barriers to care. Lifetime and current (30 day) history of suicidal ideation, attempts, and hospitalizations related to suicide attempts were specifically assessed. Suicidality rates were quite high in this sample: 2,709 (37.5%) reported having serious thoughts of suicide in the previous 30 days, 573 (7.9%) had attempted suicide in the previous 30 days, 4,758 (65.9%) had had serious thoughts of suicide in their lifetime, 3,692 (51.1%) had ever attempted suicide, and 1,928 (52.2%) of those who had ever attempted suicide had been hospitalized in a non-psychiatric bed as a result of the attempt. Risk factors in multivariate models included gender, age, dual diagnosis, severity of psychosis and substance abuse, and lack of social support. These results further highlight the vulnerability of the homeless to poor clinical outcomes, and emphasize the need for mental health screening and treatment among the homeless. Systems of care may be able to save lives by targeting suicide prevention programs to vulnerable groups such as the homeless.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Homelessness, Suicide
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.