Abstract
Objective
To investigate whether the empirical or DSM–oriented scales of the Youth Self–Report (YSR) can be used to screen for DSM psychiatric disorders among incarcerated boys. DSM–oriented scales have recently been developed by Achenbach to enhance comparability of YSR results with DSM diagnostic categories.
Method
A representative sample (N = 196) of incarcerated boys aged 12–18 was assessed with the child version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC–C) to diagnose DSM psychiatric disorders, and with the Youth Self–Report (YSR).
Results
Only 22% had YSR total problem scores in the clinical range, whereas 90 % met criteria of at least one DSM/DISC–C psychiatric disorder. Weak associations between both empirical and DSM–oriented YSR scale scores and DSM/DISC–C diagnoses were found.
Conclusions
Neither the empirical nor the DSM–oriented YSR scales adequately screen for DSM/DISC–C psychiatric disorders among incarcerated boys. The use of the YSR and the DISC–C to assess DSM constructs results in, at least partially, different diagnostic information.
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Vreugdenhil, C., van den Brink, W., Ferdinand, R. et al. The ability of YSR scales to predict DSM/DISC–C psychiatric disorders among incarcerated male adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 15, 88–96 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-006-0497-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-006-0497-8