Citation

Corneau M, Lanctot N. Crim. Behav. Ment. Health 2006; 14(4): 251-262.

Affiliation

School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/cbm.592

PMID

16575806

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Empirical evidence indicates that the rates of mental health problems and disorders are relatively high among adjudicated youths, especially females, yet few longitudinal studies have focused on gender differences regarding their mental health outcomes as adults. AIMS: The present study was designed to assess the prevalence rates of self-reported suicide attempts and psychological help-seeking in young adults adjudicated for antisocial behaviours in adolescence. This study also assessed gender differences in the prevalence rates of mental health problems and disorders reported by participants. METHODS: Structured interviews assessing personal and social adaptation were conducted on three occasions with 292 adjudicated male and 113 female youths (mean age 15 years on the first occasion). Data from the third testing wave (mean age 23.51 at T3) provide information on their mental health outcomes in adulthood. RESULTS: Results indicate that in individuals with a history of juvenile delinquency and/or problem behaviour over 10% of the males and 20% of the females reported suicide attempts, and one-fifth and one-third respectively reported psychological consultation. Similar and lower proportions reported psychiatric hospitalization and/or drug addiction programme/therapy at the beginning of adulthood. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The present study suggests that these youths may need more mental health directed interventions in their assessment rehabilitation programmes.

Language: en