Citation

Laukkanen E, Korhonen V, Peiponen S, Nuutinen M, Viinamäki H. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Psychiatry 2001; 35(2): 160-165.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry (3703), Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 1777, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland. eila.laukkanen@kuh.fi

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11284896

Abstract

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.

Language: en