Conditions associated with identification of mentally ill youths in juvenile detention.
The current study examines the prevalence and severity of psychiatric symptoms in incarcerated youth. A random sample of youth ages 13-17 who were referred for mental health services (n=120) and not referred for services (n=120) at a juvenile detention facility were studied. Psychopathology was evaluated using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children and the Child Behavior Checklist. Ninety-six percent of referred youth and 69% of non-referred youth had one or more psychiatric diagnoses. Co-morbidity was common in both groups. The findings suggest that youths in the juvenile justice system have noteworthy psychopathology that often remains unidentified.
Rogers
Kenneth M
KM
Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 701 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Pumariega
Andres J
AJ
Atkins
D Lanette
DL
Cuffe
Steven P
SP
D000293:Adolescent; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D003710:Demography; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index