Page 25 - Juvenile Practice is not Child's Play

Signs and Symptoms

While many mental health disorders surface in the youth justice system, those listed below are the most prevalent.
Mental health disorders manifest differently in different people and may co-exist, but the most common manifestations

of a particular disorder are included below to help attorneys recognize characteristics that may alert them to the need
for an evaluation. Children in the youth justice system often present with multiple disorders (co-morbidity), and
attorneys should be skeptical of evaluations that result in only a single diagnosis, most specifically, Disruptive, Impulse-

Control, and Conduct Disorders. This information should only be viewed as a helpful guide for attorneys to understand
some of the current disorders. It is not a substitute for an evaluation and diagnosis from a mental health professional.

Current DSM V Disorders Diagnosed in Children and Adolescents

Disorder Criteria

Neurodevelopmental Disorders Includes Social Communication Disorders (formerly Spectrum Disorder), AD/HD, and
Pervasive Developmental Delays and is usually only diagnosed in children.

Disruptive, Impulse-Control, Includes oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, intermittent explosive
and Conduct Disorders disorder, kleptomania and pyromania. These disorders can cause people to behave
angrily or aggressively toward people or property. They may have difficulty controlling
their emotions and behavior and may break rules or laws. This is usually diagnosed
in children.

Intellectual Disabilities: The DSM 5 defines intellectual disabilities as neurodevelopmental disorders (see
table above) that begin in childhood and are characterized by intellectual difficulties
as well as difficulties in conceptual, social, and practical areas of living. This is an
especially important diagnosis for your clients as it could significantly impact your
client’s ability to participate in their own defense.

Depressive Disorders Characterized by chronic feelings of sadness or worthlessness—the defining
characteristic of the disorder is that it robs a person of the capacity for pleasure.
Children may also display a loss of interest.

Anxiety Disorders Includes Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder,
and Social Anxiety Disorder