Distress, defiance or adaptation? A review paper of at-risk mental health states in young offenders.
OBJECTIVE
This paper firstly aims to explore the prevalence of mental health problems in young offenders and secondly, to review the factors which mean a young offender is at risk of developing more serious and chronic mental health problems, including psychosis.


METHODS
The literature in this field will be reviewed, and the highlighted risk factors explored in detail.


RESULTS
Reviewing the evidence base highlights the complex needs of this population, as the prevalence of mental health problems in both detained and community-based young offenders is high, with the presence of at least one mental health problem found in up to 92%. There is much data to suggest that young offenders have many of the risk indicators that would place them at risk of significant mental health problems according to previously identified criteria. Factors such as intellectual level, difficulties in school, substance abuse problems, exposure to trauma and problems understood within an attachment framework are explored.


CONCLUSIONS
The main conclusion is that this population have many risk factors which increase the possibility of developing serious mental health problems, therefore highlighting the need for early intervention.
Hindley Mental Health Team, HMP Hindley YOI, Bickershaw, Wigan, UK. miranda.casswell@gmw.nhs.uk
Miranda
M
Casswell
Paul
P
French
Andrew
A
Rogers
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D061345:Early Medical Intervention; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*