SEVERE AGGRESSION AND RELATED CONDUCT PROBLEMS AMONG RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS ADOLESCENTS

The study assessed the prevalence of severe aggressive behavior and co nduct disorder in a population of runaway and homeless adolescents and examined relationships between aggression, conduct disorder other pro blem behaviors, and background characteristics. Methods: A total of 21 9 runaway and homeless youths recruited through a urban drop-in center were surveyed using the Adolescent Health Survey, a questionnaire abo ut background and mental health experiences, and the revised version o f the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children. Results: More than h alf of study participants met criteria for conduct disorder, and 62 pe rcent reported a history of severe aggressive behavior. Although these constructs were related to each other, a third of the subjects met cr iteria for only one. Childhood sexual abuse was associated with conduc t disorder, while living in a home where drugs were used was associate d with aggression. Severe aggressive behavior was associated with othe r problem behaviors, including attempted suicide, behavior that precip itated residential psychiatric treatment, pregnancy arrests, and convi ctions. Conclusions: The assessment and systematic treatment of conduc t disorder and aggression among runaway and homeless youths is urgentl y needed to reduce the effects of the disorder and associated problem behaviors.