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Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Research

Teenagers’ mental health problems predict probable mental diagnosis 3 years later among girls, but what about the boys?

Authors: Kristina Carlén, Sakari Suominen, Lilly Augustine, Maiju M. Saarinen, Minna Aromaa, Päivi Rautava, André Sourander, Matti Sillanpää

Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of mental disorders is increasing, and there seems to be a gender difference in prevalence, with girls reporting more mental health problems than boys, especially regarding internalizing problems. Most mental disorders debut early but often remain untreated into adulthood. Early detection of mental disorders is essential for successful treatment, which is not always happening. The study aimed to estimate to what extent teenagers’ self-reports predict probable mental diagnosis as they enter adulthood, particularly regarding gender differences.

Methods

Self-reported mental health problems, Youth Self-Report (YSR) at 15 years (range 3–110, n = 504) from the ongoing Finnish family competence study (FFC) using modified multivariable Poisson regression analysis for prediction of DAWBA (Development and Wellbeing Assessment) interview outcomes 3 years later.

Results

One unit’s increase in YSR was estimated to correspond to an increase in the relative risk of a probable DAWBA-based diagnosis by 3.3% [RR (95% CI) 1.03 (1.03–1.04), p < 0.001]. In gender-specific analysis, the findings applied, particularly to girls.

Conclusions

Youth Self-Report (YSR) scores at pubertal age predicted the risk of a probable mental diagnosis at the onset of adulthood, particularly in girls. Further research is needed to explain the lower sensitivity of YSR among boys.

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Title: Teenagers’ mental health problems predict probable mental diagnosis 3 years later among girls, but what about the boys?
Authors: Kristina Carlén
Sakari Suominen
Lilly Augustine
Maiju M. Saarinen
Minna Aromaa
Päivi Rautava
André Sourander
Matti Sillanpää
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1753-2000
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-022-00473-y

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Teenagers’ mental health problems predict probable mental diagnosis 3 years later among girls, but what about the boys?

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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