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Troubled Youth

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Some Factors Help Predict Future of Troubled Youth

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Certain factors can help predict if a troubled teen will return to the
``straight and narrow'' with treatment or continue to be an aggressive and emotionally disturbed
individual, according to New Hampshire researchers.

In a study of more than 300 troubled youngsters, those teens whose parents were consistently
employed, who had a positive relationship with a parent and had more support from their family were
more likely to benefit from treatment. Other factors seemed to help as well, including contact with
peers who were positive role models, a higher reading level and good problem-solving abilities,
according to Dr. J. Eric Vance of Seacoast Mental Health Center in Portsmouth and colleagues.

The study is published in the January issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry.

The study included children at least 13 years old who were certified by the state of North Carolina as
severely or chronically aggressive, and were diagnosed with neurological or psychiatric disorders. Such
children had been placed in public custody or did not have access to needed treatment or educational
services, according to the report.

During the year-long study, the youths received a combination of treatments, including behavioral
therapy, psychiatric care and medication.

While teens with a lower IQ were less likely to improve their behavior, Vance and colleagues point
out, the child's relationship with his or her parents and family played a large role in terms of outcome.
Those with a negative parent-child relationship were less likely to get better with treatment.

The study also revealed that children with ``superior interpersonal skills'' like empathy, a sense of
humor and good problem-solving abilities had better outcomes after a year of treatment.

The authors conclude by noting that ``successful interventions with adolescents with aggressive
disorders may require building social support bridges to estranged families or (friends).''

SOURCE: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2002;41:36-43

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