A pessimistic attitude towards the future and low psychosocial functioning predict psychiatric diagnosis among treatment-seeking adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to study factors associated with psychiatric diagnosis among adolescents (n = 164) seeking psychiatric care for mental symptoms.


METHODS
Psychiatric diagnosis was confirmed by a structured diagnostic interview. Psychosocial functioning was assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory and Offer Self-Image Questionnaire were also used. Background data were gathered.


RESULTS
A majority (76%) of the adolescents met DSM-III-R criteria for psychiatric diagnosis. The self-image was more negative and the Beck score was higher among these adolescents than the others. All who had attempted suicide had a psychiatric disorder. Those diagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder consumed alcohol in order to get drunk more often than others. Continual conflicts with parents and smoking were not associated with the existence of a psychiatric disorder. In logistic regression analysis, low psychosocial functioning (OR = 3.9) and an uncertain or pessimistic attitude towards the future (OR = 9.1) proved to be independent risk factors for psychiatric disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
Health service staff should be aware of factors associated with psychiatric disorders in adolescents so that they can identify those at high risk.
Laukkanen
E
E
Department of Psychiatry (3703), Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 1777, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland. eila.laukkanen@kuh.fi
Korhonen
V
V
Peiponen
S
S
Nuutinen
M
M
Viinamäki
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000339:Affect; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors