Page 97 - Age of onset of disruptive behavior of residentially treated adolescents -Sjoukje de Boer
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Piquero et al., 2010). Individuals with an early-onset are likely to become life-course- persistent (LCP) offenders, for whom general daily functioning is more compromised
than for late onset or Adolescent Limited (AO) offenders. Individuals with LCP have
worse mental health, worse physical health, and more economic problems at several assessment occasions (e.g., Moffitt et al., 2002; Odgers et al., 2008). High-rate chronic offenders - who may be considered similar to individuals with LCP disruptive behavior
– were also found to have a less satisfactory accommodation and cohabitation history,
were less often employed, more often reported fights and offences, had problematic
alcohol and drug use, had less satisfactory mental health, and had more convictions 6 (Piquero et al., 2010).
Methods
Setting
The present study was conducted at a residential orthopsychiatric and forensic psychiatric youth facility that offers specialized care for youth with severe disruptive behavior, and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. The disruptive behavior included aggressive, oppositional defiant, delinquent, and rule-breaking behavior. The psychiatric disorders consisted mainly of conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia and related disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. To be eligible for treatment, at admission the youngsters had to meet the following criteria: being in the age of 16 to 20 years, exhibiting severe disruptive behavior as well as psychiatric problems, and having (a history of) previous treatment. Exclusion criteria for treatment were: functioning below borderline intellectual level (IQ <70), and having shown severe recidivist criminal behavior for which specialized forensic treatment was indicated. Drug abuse was no contraindication, nor was it a reason for dismissal. However, being afflicted by predominant addiction problems was a contraindication.
The treatment program of the facility was based on a cognitive-behavioral treatment model with emphasis on enhancement of social competence (Bartels, 2001). Over time, elements of the schema-based therapy were added (Young, 1990; Young et al., 2004). A variety of therapies and training activities were offered, e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-motor therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, family therapy,
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