Reactive Attachment Disorder, Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder, adverse childhood experiences, and mental health in an imprisoned young offender population

Moran, K., Dyas, R., Kelly, C., Young, D. and Minnis, H. (2023) Reactive Attachment Disorder, Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder, adverse childhood experiences, and mental health in an imprisoned young offender population. Psychiatry Research, (doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115597) (In Press)

Abstract

Background: A high proportion of young people in prison have a history of abuse and neglect, and/or of neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions. Despite this, the only two conditions specifically associated with abuse and neglect, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED), have never been included as part of a comprehensive prevalence study. Methods: A cross sectional study, in 110 male inmates aged 16 to 23, examined the prevalence of, and associations between, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions, including RAD and DSED. Outcomes: Virtually all of the young men (96%) had one or more lifetime neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions, 85.5% had a current condition, yet less than 3% had received a mental health assessment in prison. High rates of RAD and/or DSED were found (53.6%) and 74.5% had experienced some form of abuse or neglect. Interpretation: There is a high prevalence of ACEs, RAD/DSED, neurodevelopmental and other mental health conditions within this population. Comprehensive clinical assessments are required to ensure appropriate support and staff training is needed to ensure that the full implications of the high prevalence of neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions are understood as part of trauma informed care.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
• Keywords: Reactive Attachment Disorder, Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder, adverse childhood experiences, mental health, young iffender.
• Status: In Press
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Minnis, Professor Helen and Dyas, Miss Rebecca and Moran, Dr Kate
• Authors: Moran, K., Dyas, R., Kelly, C., Young, D., and Minnis, H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Psychiatry Research
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0165-1781
• ISSN (Online): 1872-7123
• Published Online: 14 November 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Psychiatry Research 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License