DSM-III-R classification of murderous youth: help or hindrance?

Fourteen homicidal juveniles were evaluated through clinical interviews, review of police and delinquency records, and administration of the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents to investigate the presence of psychiatric disorders in homicidal juveniles and to examine the usefulness of DSM-III-R in this population. A wide range of DSM-III-R diagnoses were established, primarily in conjunction with conduct disorder. DSM-III-R diagnoses were also made in conjunction with mood disorders, psychoactive substance use/dependence disorders, anxiety disorders, and several other disorders, but no diagnoses of psychotic disorder could be made. The average number of lifetime prevalence diagnoses made per individual was 2.4, and 13 (93%) of the subjects met DSM-III-R criteria for at least one current diagnosis at the time of their homicidal behavior. These findings have potentially important treatment, prognostic, and forensic implications.