Depression among incarcerated delinquents

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Adolescent Psychology
• Criminology

Background:

• Adolescent mental health is a significant concern, particularly within the justice system.
• Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors of depression in incarcerated youth is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of depression in incarcerated delinquents compared to non-incarcerated adolescents.
• To investigate the potential impact of incarceration on the development of depressive disorders.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) criteria for major depressive disorders.
• Assessed 100 consecutively admitted delinquents to a detention center and a comparison group of non-incarcerated, non-delinquent adolescents.
• Examined depression during and before incarceration, as well as new-onset depression within the detention center.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of depression was 18% in incarcerated delinquents versus 4% in non-incarcerated peers.
• Of 100 incarcerated delinquents, 11 had pre-existing or ongoing depression, and 7 developed depression during incarceration.
• Common symptoms included sleep difficulties (100%) and appetite disturbances (94%); psychomotor changes were less frequent.

Conclusions:

• Incarcerated delinquents exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of depression.
• The incarceration environment may play a role in the onset or exacerbation of depressive disorders in adolescents.
• Sleep and appetite disturbances are key indicators of depression in this population.