Psychiatric evaluation of juvenile delinquents under probation in the context of recidivism

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: High rates of psychiatric disorders and comorbidities have been reported in the juvenile justice system, and both phenomena are thought to contribute to repetitive offending. Although extensive research on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in juvenile offenders has been conducted in European countries and the USA, epidemiological research concerning this issue is limited in Turkish population. The aim of the present study is to examine psychiatric diagnoses, comorbidity patterns, psychometric properties, and the factors related to recidivism defined as reconvictions, in juveniles under probation in Turkey. METHODS: We conducted face-to-face interviews with volunteers. This study sample consisted of 55 individuals (Female/Male = 4/51) who were in the Istanbul Anatolian Probation Department. The participants' age ranged from 14 to 18 years (mean age = 17.22 ± 0.62). Diagnoses were established based on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children Present and Lifetime Version. A detailed sociodemographic form, Wechsler Intelligence Scale, Child Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used for assessment. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the number of conviction: Group 1 consisted of 65% of the sample (n = 36) with one conviction and Group 2 consisted of 35% of the sample (n = 19) with more than one conviction. We examined the psychometric properties that might predict recidivism through the logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We ascertained that 67.3% of the juveniles had at least one psychiatric disorder, and 45.5% had two or more comorbid psychiatric disorders. The most common diagnosis was attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (43.6%), and followed by depressive mood disorders (34.5%). Juveniles in Group 2 were less educated, had low levels of verbal, performance and total intelligence quotient (IQ) score, had more numbers of psychiatric diagnoses, particularly depressive mood disorders and history of substance use disorders (p < .05). Having a higher number of psychiatric diagnoses and having comorbidity of both externalizing (i.e. ADHD, conduct disorder) and internalizing disorders (i.e. depressive mood disorders, anxiety disorders) were significantly higher in Group 2 (p < .05). Total duration of education (OR = 0.470, 95% CI = 0.257-0.861, p < .05) and having at least one psychiatric disorder (OR = 10.64, 95% CI = 1.642-68.954, p < .05) were found to predict multiple convictions. CONCLUSION: Juveniles in the justice system are faced with multiple psychiatric disorders, along with social/environmental adversities. There is a need of a holistic approach addressing multiple areas to prevent repetitive offending behaviour. Accordingly, in addition to legal sanctions, evaluation and interventions regarding mental health will contribute to improve for both psychosocial well-being of delinquent juveniles and prevention strategies for recidivism.

Impact of social factors responsible for Juvenile delinquency – A literature review

“…In delinquent youths, the commission of more severe crimes is associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD), among other psychiatric factors. [ 43 44 45 ] Individuals with ADHD commonly experience comorbidities such as substance use and personality disorders. [ 46 ] Some of the factors, like psychological stress and depressive mood disorder, are usually found in juvenile delinquents and mainly result in stress, anxiety, and depression.…”

The Impact of Court Decisions on the Recidivism of Juvenile Offenders

“…According to Shao et al (2019), a comprehensive approach that includes court decisions, social support, and rehabilitation programmes is most effective in reducing juvenile recidivism. Findik et al (2019) and Sydorova et al (2022) indicate an important aspect -the need to improve the legal framework and practice of juvenile justice because the relevance and effectiveness of such measures directly affect the results of juvenile rehabilitation. Aazami et al (2023) analyse that the modern legal system faces the challenge of providing justice for juvenile offenders while maintaining a balance between the need to protect society and the reintegration of these young people.…”