Current adolescent forensic psychiatry in Japan

Purpose of review In recent years, juvenile crime has been gradually increasing and it has become a serious problem in Japan. The most pressing current topic for the public, media and specialists is capital crimes unexpectedly committed by juveniles without previous history of delinquency. The purpose of this paper is to consider what factors have been influencing current juvenile crime. The latest developments in adolescent forensic psychiatry are reviewed against this background. Recent findings Recent studies have focused on the relationship between pervasive developmental disorders and juvenile crime; however, the link is still scientifically unproven. In the context of female juvenile crime, the increase in drug-related crime and child abuse as a background to delinquency is discussed. Summary There is a close relationship between social problems and adolescent psychiatric issues, and it is obvious to that they influence each other. It can be concluded that it is necessary to provide juveniles and their families with social support, and also to continue to research both neurobiological and sociopsychiatric approaches to provide significant insights into forensic psychiatry in Japan.