The psychopathology of 29 delinquent and 25 nondelinquent
psychiatrically hospitalized adolescent boys was similarly severe. Similar
proportions had hallucinations, delusions, learning disabilities, and
evidence of neurological impairment, and over half in each group had been
diagnosed as being psychotic. Fire-setting, enuresis, and cruelty to
animals did not distinguish the two groups. Significantly more of the
delinquents had been psychiatrically hospitalized previously, and
significantly more of the delinquents had engaged in violently aggressive
acts. The household composition of both groups was similar, but more
mothers of delinquents than of nondelinquents had been psychiatrically
hospitalized. The authors discuss the issue of the treatment of
psychiatrically ill violent adolescents.Abstract Teaser