Predicting recidivism in delinquent adolescents from psychological and psychiatric assessment.

An important but sparse body of research focuses on psychiatric disorders and/or psychological characteristics as predictors of recidivism in delinquent adolescents. Through detailed psychiatric and psychological assessment in 64 adjudicated male juvenile delinquents, the current study investigated the long-term relationships between psychopathology, intellectual functioning, and recidivism. Psychiatric diagnosis was based on the results of a semistructured interview conducted both with delinquents and their parents.