Psychiatric disorder among adolescents in custody.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the diagnostic breakdown and comorbid patterns of 100 consecutive cases referred for psychiatric consultation at juvenile detention centres, and to compare diagnoses according to gender and legal status.


METHODS
Diagnoses were made at the time of an initial semi-structured clinical interview, and reviewed after follow-up.


RESULTS
There was an appreciable minority of young offenders with non-behaviour disordered diagnoses as well as a large number with conduct disorder and substance abuse. Conduct disorder and affective disorder were most influential on adjustment in the community.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatric initiatives are essential in the management of serious young offenders.
Richards
I
I
New South Wales Department of Juvenile Justice, Rivendell Adolescent Services, Concord West, Australia.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011329:Prisoners