Seattle University Collaborative Projects - International Academy of ...

Olaf Reis, University of Rostock, (olaf.reis@med.uni-rostock.de)Christiane Baldus, University of Hamburg (c.baldus@uke.de)Rainer Thomasius, University of Hamburg (thomasius@uke.de)Objective: The abuse of legal and illegal drugs is known to already be associated withdiminished mental health during adolescence. Data from two recent German studies arepresented to analyze this association and suggestions are made to access juveniles at high risk.Method: In sample 1, 188 adolescents investigated during their stay at intense care units shortlyafter acute alcohol intoxication were rated on the distribution of F-diagnoses given by a trainedpsychiatrist. In sample 2, 266 adolescents taking part in a secondary prevention programme forcannabis users were investigated for self-rated (YSR, YASR) psychiatric problems after acutepsychoses were excluded.Results: Binge-drinking adolescents displayed significantly higher loads of psychiatric illnessescompared to the normal population as rated by a psychiatrist. Adolescents intoxicated afteralcohol abuse displayed higher rates of ADHD-related disorders (ratio 1:5), compared to thenormal population, and a higher rate of adaption disorders (F 43). A similar pattern of higherburdens of mental health problems occurred for adolescents consuming cannabis on a regularbasis.Conclusions: Binge-drinking as well as regular cannabis use may indicate higher loads of mentalproblems. At the same time, these adolescents are hard to access. A concept of “vulnerablemoments” for early detection and treatment of drug abuse and criminal offense prevention isdiscussed.Prevalences of Mental Disorders among Young Patients in a German Hospitalfor Forensic PsychiatryDetlef Schlaefke, University of Rostock (detlef.schlaefke@med.uni-rostock.de)Objective: Based on the German Criminal Code for both juveniles and young adults, theUniversity of Rostock’s hospitals for Forensic Psychiatry are responsible for compulsorytreatment of these offenders. To be admitted to a forensic hospital a causal association of mentaldisorder or addiction and criminal act is required. This study describes the ratio of co-morbidmental disorders found in patients in a north German hospital and their effects on treatment.Method: After a young offender is admitted to our Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, intensivediagnostics take place, covering personality, intelligence, and neuropsychological function. Staffmembers try to motivate patients and explain the course and rules of treatment. Individualtreatment plans are negotiated at the end of this period.Results: 126 patients have passed through inpatient treatment during the last decade with theirdata collected according to the Forensic Basis Documentation. 94% of all juvenile offenders (n =16) showed an additional mental disorder, out of which 65% suffered from a conduct disorder.260