Specific learning difficulties, delinquency and mental disorders: (Dis)abilities and ghosts

Abstract

Problem Statement: Learning disabilities constitute a continuity of complex disorders, which are associated with internalized and external behaviour problems.Purpose of the study: Τo compare the results of two surveys applied in Greece investigating the early role of learning difficulties in the onset of offending behaviours and mental disorders in adulthood. Methods: Through two retrospective studies: i. early problems of 117 Greek adult prisoners were evaluated and ii. 835 case histories of adults with mental disorders were analyzed. Findings and Results: With high statistical significance were observed: learning difficulties, family problems, behaviour, developmental, and psycho-emotional disorders. Conclusions and Recommendations: Both studies emphasized the importance of the complexity and the interrelatedness of learning difficulties, social and psycho-emotional disorders.Keywords: Learning disabilities, mental disorders, delinquency, comorbidity.