NCJ Number
238302
Journal
Archives of General Psychiatry Volume: 60 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2003 Pages: 1097-1108
Date Published
November 2003
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among adolescents in juvenile detention.
Abstract
Major findings from the study include the following: 56.5 percent of females in the sample met the criteria for two or more psychiatric disorders, compared to only 45.9 percent of the males; almost 14 percent of females and 11 percent of males had both a major mental disorder and a substance use disorder; and almost 30 percent of females and more than 20 percent of males with substance use disorders also had major mental disorders. The psychiatric and substance use disorders identified in the sample were major depressive, dysthymic, manic, psychotic, panic, separation anxiety, overanxious, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, conduct, oppositional defiant, alcohol, marijuana, and other substance. This study examined the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among a sample of adolescents in juvenile detention. Data were obtained from a sample, n=1,829, of arrested and newly detained youth ages 10-18 years old in a large temporary detention center for juveniles in Cook County, IL. The youth were administered the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children. Analysis of the results indicates that comorbid psychiatric disorders are a major health problem among youth in juvenile detention facilities, and that certain types of comorbidity vary by race/ethnicity and age. Implications for policy and directions for future research are discussed. 2 figures, 6 tables, and 111 references