NCJ Number
175020
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 49 Issue: 2 Dated: June 1998 Pages: 63-66
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A self-report instrument and structured interview were administered to 61 adolescents at the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center in Albuquerque, N.M., to determine their emotional and behavioral characteristics.
Abstract
The 61 residents, ages 11 to 18, were interviewed between December 1997, and March 1998. The instruments administered were the Adolescent Behavioral Health Inventory, a self-report assessment of behavioral and emotional functioning, and a structured interview designed to obtain demographic and family information. Findings show high rates of emotional disorders among residents. The disorders consisted of learning disabilities (57 percent); attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (79 percent); oppositional defiant disorder (36 percent); conduct disorder (90 percent); depression (54 percent); manic episodes (39 percent); anxiety disorder (54 percent); panic attacks (38 percent); post traumatic stress disorder (26 percent); somatic disorder (43 percent); psychosocial stress (90 percent); psychotic symptoms (15 percent); suicidal ideation (46 percent); and suicide attempts (32 percent). This survey highlights the emotional and mental health needs of this population. Aggressive attempts to address these needs could reduce recidivism and impact long-term functioning. 8 references