Citation

Sevecke K, Dreher J, Walger P, Junglas J, Lehmkuhl G. Z. Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother. 2005; 33(2): 105-112.

Vernacular Title

Aggressives Verhalten und Substanzmittelkonsum bei an Schizophrenie erkrankten

Affiliation

Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters der Universität zu Köln. mail@kathrin-sevecke.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Verlag Hans Huber)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15900804

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyze aggressive behaviour towards others by schizophrenic as opposed to antisocial adolescents, and the influence of substance abuse before, during and after their hospitalization. METHODS: We analyzed 21 schizophrenic adolescents and compared their aggressive behaviour and their substance abuse to that of 21 antisocial juveniles before and during their hospitalization and again at the time of a follow-up interview. The two samples were matched for age, sex and intelligence. In a first step, data were gathered from the hospital records, in a second step, for follow-up data we conducted standardized telephone interview with the patient and his or her parent or caregiver. Within the analysis we focused on aggressive behaviour towards other people and objects, as well as on criminal acts and regular substance abuse. RESULTS: We found less aggressive behaviour among psychotic patients during and post-hospitalization than among their antisocial counterparts. As inpatients, the acutely psychotic juveniles were at higher risk for aggressive acts, but adequate treatment subdued their offensive behaviour. In the long term, there were fewer criminal arrests among psychotic patients. Only in connection with their substance abuse, their aggressive misconduct towards others increased. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that drug treatment during adolescence might help to lessen the risk of aggressive behaviour towards others.

Language: de