Gang violence cause of high levels of mental disorders

 

Gang membership is linked to psychiatric problems as well as drink and drugs, the study says

Young men in gangs are significantly more likely to suffer from a mental disorder and need psychiatric help than other young men, says a UK study.

It surveyed 108 gang members and found that half had an anxiety disorder, more than 85% a personality disorder and 25% screened positive for psychosis.
Exposure to violence was the likely cause of their mental health problems, it said.
Experts said opportunities to help young people were often missed.
The research team from Queen Mary, University of London, started by surveying 4,664 men aged between 18 and 34 in Britain.