Objective: To find the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the homeless population in Bangkok, Thailand

Materials and Methods: In an epidemiological survey of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in homeless individuals at Lan Khon Meaung, Sao Chingcha in Bangkok, Thailand, a probability sample of 113 homeless people were interviewed using a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview [MINI].

Results: There was a high prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders among homeless people (76%). The most frequent psychiatric disorders were major depressive episode (current two weeks prevalence rate 35.7%) psychotic disorders (lifetime prevalence rate 31.0%), psychotic disorders (current two weeks prevalence rate 23%), alcohol dependence (past 12 months prevalence rate 22.1%), and major depressive episode melancholic features (current two weeks prevalence rate 19.5%). The prevalence of suicidal risk and two or more psychiatric comorbidities factors in severe psychiatric disorders group were higher than the others, with a statistical significance (p-value 0.003 and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in homeless population in Bangkok is higher among the homeless than in the general population, especially severe psychiatric disorders. An urgent need for adequate medical and psychiatric care and the development of concepts for rehabilitation should be established.

Keywords: Homeless, Prevalence, Psychiatric disorders, Mental illness, Mental health care system, Rehabilitation