PSYCHOPATHOLOGY FROM ADOLESCENCE INTO YOUNG ADULTHOOD - AN 8-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY

Objective: This study investigated the stability of behavioral and emo tional problems from adolescence into young adulthood. Method: Subject s from the general population (N=459), aged 13-16 years, were evaluate d initially with the Child Behavior Checklist (completed by parents) a nd 8 years later with the Young Adult Self-Report. The scoring format and factor structure of the two assessment instruments are similar; sy ndromes constructed from the two instruments are based on parents', te achers', and self-report information derived from large clinical sampl es. Signs of maladjustment also were assessed at follow-up through int erviews. Results: Of the individuals with total problem scores in the deviant range on the Child Behavior Checklist, 27.3% had total problem scores in the deviant range on the Young Adult Self-Report at follow- up. The probability of having a total problem score in the deviant ran ge at follow-up was raised 7.4-fold by having deviant-range scores on the Child Behaviour Checklist somatic complaints and anxious/depressed syndromes (simultaneously) at the initial assessment. Referral to men tal health services was predicted by deviant-range scores on the anxio us/depressed syndrome, while suicide attempts were predicted by devian ce on the withdrawn syndrome. Conclusions: Adolescent problems tended to persist into young adulthood to a moderate degree. High rates of wi thdrawal from social contacts, anxiety or depression, somatic complain ts without known medical origin, social problems, attention problems, delinquent behavior, and aggressive behavior during adolescence were r isk factors for specific types of psychopathology and maladjustment at 8-year follow-tie. The presence of psychopathology in adolescence sho uld not be regarded as normative.