Mental disorder prevalence in Australian youth with harmful sexual behaviours

In combination with criminogenic risk factors, psychological vulnerabilities can contribute to harmful sexual behaviours (HSBs) in youth through targetable mechanisms. The primary aim of this study was to describe the psychiatric disorders present in Australian youth with HSBs. The secondary aim was to examine comorbidities in greater detail through adjusted odds ratios (AORs). Clinicians reviewed case files for 361 participants engaged by the justice system for a sexual offence committed during adolescence and referred to a specialist service in Queensland. Presence of diagnoses was coded from these files and 85.32% had one or more diagnoses. Rates for individual disorders are discussed. AORs highlight links between disorders and point towards potentially clinically-relevant mechanisms implicated in HSBs, especially those related to neurodevelopmental disabilities and trauma disorders. Our findings are relevant to professionals working in youth justice in understanding psychological influences on HSBs and treatment.