NCJ Number
238303
Journal
Archive of General Psychiatry Volume: 59 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 1133-1143
Date Published
December 2002
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study calculated 6-month prevalence rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders among adolescents in juvenile detention.
Abstract
Major findings from the study include the following: almost 75 percent of females and almost 66 percent of males in juvenile detention met the diagnostic criteria for one or more psychiatric disorders; almost 50 percent of females and 50 percent of males had a substance use disorder; more than 40 percent of females and males met the criteria for disruptive behavior disorders; and more than 20 percent of females met the criteria for a major depressive episode. Prevalence estimates were developed for the following disorders: affective disorders (major depressive episode, dysthymia, manic episode); anxiety (panic, separation anxiety, overanxious, generalized anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders); psychosis; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; disruptive behavior disorders (oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder); and substance use disorders (alcohol and other drugs). This study calculated 6-month prevalence rates 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 the presence of these disorders poses a challenge for both the juvenile justice system and the mental health system. Implications for policy and directions for future research are discussed. 6 tables and 118 references