Citation

Gordon WA, Spielman LA, Hahn-Ketter AE, Sy KT. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2017; 32(6): 393-403.

Affiliation

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0000000000000274

PMID

28060202

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and criminal behavior in youth who are incarcerated or on probation in Texas. SETTING: Seven juvenile justice facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Juvenile offenders in state or county correctional facilities or on probation.

DESIGN: Screening for TBI was conducted among adolescents at 7 juvenile justice centers. MAIN MEASURES: Participants were administered the Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire, and results were linked to participants' offense history and psychiatric diagnoses.

RESULTS: One in 4 juvenile offenders met criteria for TBI, and the majority of injuries occurred prior to the adolescents' criminal offenses. A history of TBI was related to more violent crimes, as well as more mental health diagnoses and symptoms.

CONCLUSION: The high rates of TBI and levels of distress found in juvenile offenders suggest a need for preventive actions, interventions to compensate for challenges related to TBI, and programs to assist individuals' transitions into the community.

Language: en