Sex Differences in Associations Between Adolescent Psychopathology and Delinquency

The present study investigated sex differences in the associations between adolescent psychopathology and delinquent behavior over time.

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.

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.

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.