Objectives:
In Polish Youth Educational Centres underage individuals exhibiting signs of delinquency are accommodated. A significant concern is the presence of mental health disorders among these institutions’ residents, which may influence their rehabilitation process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of mental health disorders among residents of Youth Educational Centres in the Silesian Voivodeship.

Methods:
The study was conducted between February and November 2022 in two Youth Educational Centres located in the Silesian Voivodeship. 80 individuals participated in the study (60% boys, 40% girls). Participation was voluntary and anonymous. A semi-structured psychiatric interview K-SADS-PL was employed, incorporating questionnaires covering mania, depression, conduct disorders, and substance use disorders

Results:
Among the study participants, 12.5% (n = 10) had been diagnosed with mental disorders prior to the start of the study. Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder were met by 26.25% of participants, including 20.8% of boys and 34.37% of girls, with irritability reported in 19 of the 21 individuals diagnosed with depression. Conduct disorders were observed in 52.5% of participants. Furthermore, 39% of respondents consumed alcohol at least three times per week, and 70% used cannabis at least once a week.

Conclusions:
Research on the mental health of adolescents in Youth Educational Centres in Poland highlights a high prevalence of depressive disorders and problematic patterns of psychoactive substance use among residents, which may negatively impact their functioning and prognosis. Interventions are essential to facilitate beneficial behavioural changes in these minors and to counteract their demoralisation.