Abstract
This study aims to investigate the predictive validity of externalizing psychopathology for persistence in delinquent behavior
when controlling for socio-demographic and first arrest characteristics in childhood first-time arrestees. A sample of first-time
arrestees aged under 12 (n = 192) was assessed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV) parent-version on attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). Based on child and parent reports of offending
as obtained at arrest and at 2-year follow-up, three groups of offenders were differentiated: (1) persistent high (n = 48), (2) occasional (n = 62), and (3) persistent low offenders (n = 82). Over one-third of the sample (33.9%) was diagnosed with an externalizing disorder, and 13.5% with both ADHD and ODD
or CD. Higher levels of externalizing psychopathology distinguished persistent high offenders from occasional (comorbid ADHD
and ODD/CD: OR 8.2, CI 2.6–25.5) and persistent low offenders (comorbid ADHD and ODD/CD: OR 18.2, CI 4.6–72.3; ADHD: OR 4.1,
CI 1.3–13.0), over and above socio-demographic and first offense characteristics. Living with both biological parents distinguished
the persistent low offenders from the occasional offenders (OR 2.5, CI 1.2–5.0). Since the prevalence of externalizing disorders
was high and predicted re-offending, mental health screening and intervention initiatives, aiming at these conditions, should
be investigated for this high-risk sample.
when controlling for socio-demographic and first arrest characteristics in childhood first-time arrestees. A sample of first-time
arrestees aged under 12 (n = 192) was assessed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV) parent-version on attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). Based on child and parent reports of offending
as obtained at arrest and at 2-year follow-up, three groups of offenders were differentiated: (1) persistent high (n = 48), (2) occasional (n = 62), and (3) persistent low offenders (n = 82). Over one-third of the sample (33.9%) was diagnosed with an externalizing disorder, and 13.5% with both ADHD and ODD
or CD. Higher levels of externalizing psychopathology distinguished persistent high offenders from occasional (comorbid ADHD
and ODD/CD: OR 8.2, CI 2.6–25.5) and persistent low offenders (comorbid ADHD and ODD/CD: OR 18.2, CI 4.6–72.3; ADHD: OR 4.1,
CI 1.3–13.0), over and above socio-demographic and first offense characteristics. Living with both biological parents distinguished
the persistent low offenders from the occasional offenders (OR 2.5, CI 1.2–5.0). Since the prevalence of externalizing disorders
was high and predicted re-offending, mental health screening and intervention initiatives, aiming at these conditions, should
be investigated for this high-risk sample.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Contribution
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s00787-012-0257-x
- Authors
- Moran Cohn, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, P.O. Box 303, 1115ZG Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
- Lieke van Domburgh, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, P.O. Box 303, 1115ZG Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
- Robert Vermeiren, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, P.O. Box 303, 1115ZG Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
- Charlotte Geluk, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, P.O. Box 303, 1115ZG Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
- Theo Doreleijers, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, P.O. Box 303, 1115ZG Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
- Journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Online ISSN 1435-165X
- Print ISSN 1018-8827