Finally, effective, long‐term prevention of adult antisocial behavior

Abstract

Slowly but inexorably, the concept of prevention of psychiatric illness is gaining traction in the United States. In the past, although no one seriously argued against the desirability of preventing mental health problems before they become disabling disorders, the appeal has been more theoretical than practical. Overall, 75% of our massive health care expenditures are attributable to chronic conditions, but only 3% of the U.S. health care dollar is estimated to be spent on any sort of prevention. A recent study reported by Kenneth Dodge and colleagues in the January issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry provides impetus to accelerate the application of interventions in childhood and adolescence to reduce crime and psychopathology in adulthood.