E. Michael Foster ^1*, Damon E. Jones ¹, Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group ²

¹ Pennsylvania State University
² Research consortium

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: foster{at}pop.psu.edu.

	Abstract

Objectives. This study explores the economic implications of an enormous public health problem, conduct disorder(CD) among adolescents. This article examines a range of expenditures related to this disorder across multiple public sectors, including mental health, general health, school and juvenile justice.<BR> Methods. Expenditures are estimated using self- and parental-report data and observed over a seven-year period in late adolescence. Contrasts are made between CD youth and youth with oppositional defiant disorder, elevated symptoms (not CD), and all others. Diagnosis is determined using a structured assessment.<BR> Results. Results show that public costs related to Conduct Disorder are enormous and exceed $70,000 over a seven-year period. Conclusions. Public expenditures on youth with CD are substantially larger than for other youth living in the same communities, reflecting the importance of prevention and early treatment for the disorder.

Key Words: Child and Adolescent Health, Injury/Emergency Care/Violence, Mental Health

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