This study examines the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among youth in juvenile detention centers in Cook County, Illinois. It found that nearly two-thirds of males and nearly three-quarters of females met diagnostic criteria for one or more psychiatric disorders. Excluding conduct disorder, nearly 60% of males and over two-thirds of females had diagnosis-specific impairment. Over 40% of both males and females met criteria for disruptive behavior disorders, and nearly half had substance use disorders. Affective disorders were also prevalent, especially among females, with 20% meeting criteria for a major depressive episode. Rates of many disorders were higher among females, non-Hispanic whites, and older adolescents. The study used the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC 2.3) to assess psychiatric disorders. It found that youth with psychiatric disorders pose a challenge for the juvenile justice system and for the larger mental health system after release. The study highlights the need for better mental health resources and services for juvenile detainees. It also notes that the juvenile justice system is increasingly involving minority youth, and that many of these youth have higher rates of psychiatric disorders than non-Hispanic whites. The study also found that females had higher rates of many psychiatric disorders than males, including major depressive episodes, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. The study's findings suggest that there is a significant psychiatric burden among juvenile detainees. The study also highlights the importance of longitudinal research to understand the development of psychiatric disorders in delinquent youth. It also notes that public health policies such as welfare reform and managed care have contributed to the criminalization of mentally disordered youth. The study calls for more research on the effectiveness of treatment and outcomes for delinquent youth, and for mental health policy that addresses the complex interplay between mental health, child welfare, and justice systems. The study also emphasizes the need for better mental health services for juvenile detainees, as the juvenile justice system is not equipped to provide adequate mental health services for those with psychiatric disorders.This study examines the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among youth in juvenile detention centers in Cook County, Illinois. It found that nearly two-thirds of males and nearly three-quarters of females met diagnostic criteria for one or more psychiatric disorders. Excluding conduct disorder, nearly 60% of males and over two-thirds of females had diagnosis-specific impairment. Over 40% of both males and females met criteria for disruptive behavior disorders, and nearly half had substance use disorders. Affective disorders were also prevalent, especially among females, with 20% meeting criteria for a major depressive episode. Rates of many disorders were higher among females, non-Hispanic whites, and older adolescents. The study used the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC 2.3) to assess psychiatric disorders. It found that youth with psychiatric disorders pose a challenge for the juvenile justice system and for the larger mental health system after release. The study highlights the need for better mental health resources and services for juvenile detainees. It also notes that the juvenile justice system is increasingly involving minority youth, and that many of these youth have higher rates of psychiatric disorders than non-Hispanic whites. The study also found that females had higher rates of many psychiatric disorders than males, including major depressive episodes, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. The study's findings suggest that there is a significant psychiatric burden among juvenile detainees. The study also highlights the importance of longitudinal research to understand the development of psychiatric disorders in delinquent youth. It also notes that public health policies such as welfare reform and managed care have contributed to the criminalization of mentally disordered youth. The study calls for more research on the effectiveness of treatment and outcomes for delinquent youth, and for mental health policy that addresses the complex interplay between mental health, child welfare, and justice systems. The study also emphasizes the need for better mental health services for juvenile detainees, as the juvenile justice system is not equipped to provide adequate mental health services for those with psychiatric disorders.