Characteristics of Children Admitted to a State Mental Hospital
Abstract
In looking at demographic, social, psychiatric, and medical characteristics of 125 mentally disturbed children admitted to a state mental hospital in southern California in 1971 and in 1976, the authors found evidence of family instability and disposition to violent behavior to be the most notable features of the group; many of the children did not reveal evidence of thought disorder while in the institution. Children with conduct disorders represented the majority of admission diagnoses. The children's mean age at admission was 13.2 years; most of them had several previous residential placements, and 80 per cent were Anglo-Caucasian. The authors believe that the ability to manage children predisposed to violent outbursts is the key issue involved in returning these children to community life.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).