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Updated: Oct 8, 2026

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Published on: November 21, 2013
A pessimistic attitude towards the future and low psychosocial functioning predict psychiatric diagnosis among
E Laukkanen1, V Korhonen, S Peiponen
1Department of Psychiatry (3703), Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 1777, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland. eila.laukkanen@kuh.fi
Objective:
The objective was to study factors associated with psychiatric diagnosis among adolescents (n = 164) seeking psychiatric care for mental symptoms.
Method:
Psychiatric diagnosis was confirmed by a structured diagnostic interview. Psychosocial functioning was assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory and Offer Self-Image Questionnaire were also used. Background data were gathered.
Results:
A majority (76%) of the adolescents met DSM-III-R criteria for psychiatric diagnosis. The self-image was more negative and the Beck score was higher among these adolescents than the others. All who had attempted suicide had a psychiatric disorder. Those diagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder consumed alcohol in order to get drunk more often than others. Continual conflicts with parents and smoking were not associated with the existence of a psychiatric disorder. In logistic regression analysis, low psychosocial functioning (OR = 3.9) and an uncertain or pessimistic attitude towards the future (OR = 9.1) proved to be independent risk factors for psychiatric disorders.
Conclusions:
Health service staff should be aware of factors associated with psychiatric disorders in adolescents so that they can identify those at high risk.
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