NCJ Number
225745
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 53 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2009 Pages: 113-120
Date Published
February 2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes a clinical case involving two opposing movements of the externalization and internalization of problematic patterns.
Abstract
Findings show the importance of a holistic case conceptualization before treatment; fine-grained analysis of behaviors in terms of anxiety soothing across the adolescent's anamnesis seemed the most relevant for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Moreover, it confirmed our hypothesis about the role of anxiety and fear of adolescent delinquency. More precisely, the findings suggest that the initial social anxiety, the timidity, has been overcompensated by aggressive behavior, which is accompanied by momentary deficits of impulse control, such as compensation for social anxiety. Also, the display of strength and the heroic ideas are relevant such as compensation for hypochondriasis. These behaviors and cognitions have anxiety-soothing functions and thus represent a first attempt at coping with anxiety. Since this study recognizes the reported evolution from delinquency into obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is unusual, a certain proportion of adolescent offenders may suffer from under diagnosed mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders. Mental health professionals suggest that early identification and adequate treatment for adolescents with mental disorders in juvenile courts and incarcerating institutions is beneficial in preventing recidivism and negative outcomes. This study analyzed a case report of a delinquent adolescent's presenting an OCD. References