Prevalence of psychological distress in Irish female adolescents

Some female adolescents (N = 132) attending two inner city Dublin schools completed the Youth Self Report Questionnaire (YSRQ). Of this group 15.4 per cent obtained a Total Problem Score in the clinical range. A higher proportion, 23 per cent, obtained a score in the clinical range on one or more problem subscales of the YSRQ. No one scored abnormally on the Social or Competence Scales. A number of interesting and thought provoking responses to individual questions were obtained. The possible clinical relevance of these findings and implications for future planning in schools are discussed.