The results indicated that the majority of the patients recovered or improved during treatment and this treatment outcome was relatively stable at one-year follow-up. However, in a minority of patients the treatment results deteriorated during the one-year follow-up period. Drug usage turned out to be an important predictor for this deterioration.
Childhood characteristics are associated with life-course-persistent antisocial behavior in epidemiological studies in general population samples. The present study examines this association in an inpatient sample. The purpose is to identify easily measurable childhood characteristics that may guide choice of treatment for adolescent psychiatric inpatients with severe disruptive behavior. Patients (N = 203) were divided into two groups with either early-onset (EO) or adolescent-onset (AO) disruptive behavior, based on ages at which professional care was used for disruptive behavior, referral to special education, and criminal offences. Both groups differed on several childhood characteristics. No gender differences in these characteristics were found. Logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with grade retention in primary school, childhood impulsive behavior, and a history of physical abuse, had the highest probability of being member of the EO group. These characteristics are reasonably easy to identify, likely apply to other clinical samples as well, and may help clinicians to target their treatment.
Objective
To examine pre‐treatment characteristics associated with dropout in 224 adolescent psychiatric inpatients (mean age 17.1 years) with severe disruptive behaviour. To date, little is known about the factors predicting dropout among adolescents treated for severe disruptive behaviour. This is surprising, as dropout is a major problem in this specific group.
Method
Dropouts (n = 77) and completers (n = 147) were compared on known risk factors for dropout, such as severity of externalising problems and disorders, ethnic minority status, male gender, and lower academic functioning, as well as on other factors considered relevant: behavioural characteristics, including age of onset and different types of disruptive behaviour. Within dropout, withdrawal (termination against the advice of the therapist; n = 40) and pushout (termination against the wish of the client; n = 37) were distinguished.
Results
Two characteristics significantly predicted dropout: early onset of disruptive behaviour and cannabis usage prior to treatment. Within the dropout group no differences were found between withdrawals and pushouts.
Conclusions
Predicting dropout among adolescent psychiatric inpatients with severe disruptive behaviour is difficult. The two predictors found were already present at the time of admission and are therefore considered unalterable. However, they can be used to pinpoint individuals with higher chance at dropout, who in turn can be offered tailored interventions aimed at improving the therapeutic relationship.
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