Prevalence of psychiatric disorders among Thai juvenile offenders

Abstract

Abstract                                                 

          Objectives To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in young offenders at temporary detention centers under the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection in Thailand, 2015.

          Materials and methods  Youth offenders aged 12-18 year at 14 temporary detention centers under the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection were systematic sampling recruited. Thai-Diagnostic Interview for psychiatric disorders in Children and Adolesecents-Revised was administered as interview instrument, covered 4 groups of disorders: disruptive behavior disorder, substance use disorder, mood disorder and anxiety disorder. Descriptive statistics and estimation of weighted prevalence were analyzed.

          Results  There were 600 youths voluntary participated. Male was 94.5 percent. Mean aged was 16.2 years. Most finished elementary school and had average and above IQ. First time offense was 77.2 percent. Offenders related to substance used 61.0 percent. The prevalence of any psychiatric disorder was 91.4 percent. The two most common groups were substance use disorders and disruptive behavior disorder which amphetamine abuse and conduct disorder were the most frequent in each group respectively. Prevalence of any co-morbidity was 79.2 percent.

          Conclusion The psychiatric disorders prevalence of youth offenders at temporary detention centers was high as 91.4 percent. The two most common groups of psychiatric disorders were substance use disorder and disruptive behavior disorder. Epidemiology of psychiatric disorders in youth custody at temporary detention center will raise awareness of the size and type of psychiatric patients whom are to be transferred from the Ministry of Justice into various area health services. Integrated care systems between health service area and the Ministry of Justice thru the communities should be need.