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Mental Illness Very Prevalent Among Young Gang Members, Study Finds

Psychiatric illness is highly prevalent among young men who belong to urban gangs, finds new research published online today in AJP in Advance. British researchers surveyed 4,664 men aged 18 to 34; the survey was weighted to include areas with high gang membership. Participants completed questionnaires covering gang membership, violence, use of mental health services, and psychiatric diagnoses measured using standardized screening instruments. Researchers then divided participants into three groups for analysis—gang members, violent men, and nonviolent men.

Gang members and violent men were significantly more likely to suffer from a mental disorder and access...

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Published By: Psychiatric News - 7 days ago