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. 2003 Nov;60(11):1097-108.
doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.60.11.1097.

Comorbid psychiatric disorders in youth in juvenile detention

Karen M Abram  1 , Linda A Teplin, Gary M McClelland, Mina K Dulcan
Affiliations

Comorbid psychiatric disorders in youth in juvenile detention

Karen M Abram et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003 Nov.

Abstract

Objective: To estimate 6-month prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among juvenile detainees by demographic subgroups (sex, race/ethnicity, and age).

Design: Epidemiologic study of juvenile detainees. Master's level clinical research interviewers administered the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version 2.3 to randomly selected detainees.

Setting: A large temporary detention center for juveniles in Cook County, Illinois (which includes Chicago and surrounding suburbs).

Participants: Randomly selected, stratified sample of 1829 African American, non-Hispanic white, and Hispanic youth (1172 males, 657 females, aged 10-18 years) arrested and newly detained.

Main outcome measure: Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children.

Results: Significantly more females (56.5%) than males (45.9%) met criteria for 2 or more of the following disorders: major depressive, dysthymic, manic, psychotic, panic, separation anxiety, overanxious, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, conduct, oppositional defiant, alcohol, marijuana, and other substance; 17.3% of females and 20.4% of males had only one disorder. We also examined types of disorder: affective, anxiety, substance use, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity or behavioral. The odds of having comorbid disorders were higher than expected by chance for most demographic subgroups, except when base rates of disorders were already high or when cell sizes were small. Nearly 14% of females and 11% of males had both a major mental disorder (psychosis, manic episode, or major depressive episode) and a substance use disorder. Compared with participants with no major mental disorder (the residual category), those with a major mental disorder had significantly greater odds (1.8-4.1) of having substance use disorders. Nearly 30% of females and more than 20% of males with substance use disorders had major mental disorders. Rates of some types of comorbidity were higher among non-Hispanic whites and older adolescents.

Conclusions: Comorbid psychiatric disorders are a major health problem among detained youth. We recommend directions for research and discuss how to improve treatment and reduce health disparities in the juvenile justice and mental health systems.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comorbid Types of Disorder Among Females
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comorbid Types of Disorder Among Males
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Snyder HN. Juvenile Arrests 1999. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; 2000.
    1. Puzzanchera C. OJJDP Fact Sheet #35. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; 2001. Delinquency cases waived to criminal court, 1989–1998.
    1. Sickmund M, Wan Y. Census of Juveniles in Residential Placement Databook. Detailed Offense Profile by Sex for United States. 1999. [Accessed March 26, 2002.]. Available at: http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/ojstatabb/cjrp.
    1. Austin J, Johnson KD, Gregoriou M. Juveniles in Adult Prisons and Jails: A National Assessment (NCJ 182503) Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Assistance; 2000.
    1. Snyder HN, Sickmund M. Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 1999 National Report. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; 1999.

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