['The objective was to study factors associated with psychiatric diagnosis among adolescents (n = 164) seeking psychiatric care for mental symptoms.', 'Psychiatric diagnosis was confirmed by a structured diagnostic interview. Psychosocial functioning was assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory and Offer Self-Image Questionnaire were also used. Background data were gathered.', 'A majority (76%) of the adolescents met DSM-III-R criteria for psychiatric diagnosis. The self-image was more negative and the Beck score was higher among these adolescents than the others. All who had attempted suicide had a psychiatric disorder. Those diagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder consumed alcohol in order to get drunk more often than others. Continual conflicts with parents and smoking were not associated with the existence of a psychiatric disorder. In logistic regression analysis, low psychosocial functioning (OR = 3.9) and an uncertain or pessimistic attitude towards the future (OR = 9.1) proved to be independent risk factors for psychiatric disorders.'] Do a pessimistic attitude towards the future and low psychosocial functioning predict psychiatric diagnosis among treatment-seeking adolescents?