Mental health problems are common among young offenders but their role in predicting
criminal recidivism is still not clear. Early identification and treatment of young offenders
at risk of serious, violent, and chronic (SVC) offending is of major importance to increase
their chances to develop into a healthy and non-criminal future and protect society
from further crime. In the present study, we assessed mental health among 106 young
offenders while incarcerated and analyzed their criminal careers up to 15 years after
release. We found high rates of mental health issues, especially externalizing problems,
but also concerning illegal substance and alcohol use patterns as well as personality
disorders. Rule-breaking behavior and internalizing problems were negatively related to
incarceration time until study assessment, but withdrawal and internalizing problems
were positively associated with remaining time to release. Whereas, SVC status before
assessment and after release were not statistically dependent, mental health issues
predicted perpetration of and desistance from SVC offending after release. Alarming
alcohol use appeared to be of specific importance in this regard. Findings indicate
that young offenders at risk of future SVC offending may benefit from mental health
treatment with specific focus on problematic alcohol consumption to prevent ongoing
crime perpetration
