Work

Sex Differences in Associations Between Adolescent Psychopathology and Delinquency

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Objective The present study investigated sex differences in the associations between adolescent psychopathology and delinquent behavior over time. Method In a Dutch prospective population-based cohort, oversampled on emotional and behavioral problems, we examined the associations between psychopathology, based on multi-informant standardized assessments (mean age, 15 years) and self-reported early delinquency outcomes on average 3 years later in 725 adolescents. Associations between psychopathology (ie, depressive, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], oppositional defiant and conduct problems, and psychotic experiences) and self-reported early delinquent behavior were tested using logistic regression models. Sex–psychopathology interaction effects were explored. Results Of the participating adolescents, 21% reported serious delinquent behavior at follow-up. ADHD and conduct problems at age 15 years were associated with higher odds of serious delinquent behavior at age 18 years (OR = 1.96, 95% CI=1.21-3.18 and OR=4.75, 95% CI=2.32-9.76, respectively). ADHD was associated with serious delinquent behavior in boys, but not in girls. In cross-sectional analyses at age 18 years, having anxiety problems was protectively associated with serious delinquent behavior. Conclusion Psychopathological problems are associated with serious delinquent behavior, with variations in the associations observed between adolescent boys and girls. These findings indicate that the pathways linking psychiatric conditions to delinquent behavior differ across sexes. Plain language summary The authors assessed associations between psychopathology and self-reported delinquency in the iBerry Study, a Dutch population-based adolescent cohort at high risk of psychopathology. The study found that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct problems at age 15, over and above substance use and other emotional and behavioral problems, were associated with serious delinquent behavior at age 18. Notably, the association of ADHD with later serious delinquent behavior was present in boys, but not in girls. Having anxiety problems at age 18 was associated with delinquent behavior at the same age. The authors highlight that delinquent behavior may be related to underlying psychopathology with variations across sexes.

Source: JAACAP Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaacop.2024.12.002