Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions relevant for young offenders with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or self-harm

Ellen Townsend*, Dawn Marie Walker, Sally Sargeant, Panos Vostanis, Keith Hawton, Olivia Stocker, Jabulani Sithole

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background Mood and anxiety disorders, and problems with self-harm are significant and serious issues that are common in young people in the Criminal Justice System.Aims To examine whether interventions relevant to young offenders with mood or anxiety disorders, or problems with self-harm are effective.Method Systematic review and meta-analysis of data from randomised controlled trials relevant to young offenders experiencing these problems.Results An exhaustive search of the worldwide literature (published and unpublished) yielded 10 studies suitable for inclusion in this review. Meta-analysis of data from three studies (with a total population of 171 individuals) revealed that group-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) may help to reduce symptoms of depression in young offenders.Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest that group-based CBT may be useful for young offenders with such mental health problems, but larger high quality RCTs are now needed to bolster the evidence-base.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9-20
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Adolescence
Volume33
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2010
Externally publishedYes

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