What predicts internal and external mental disorders in adolescent boys and girls? Results from a 10-year longitudinal study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although it is known from epidemiological research that girls are more likely to develop internalizing disorders and boys are more likely to develop externalizing disorders, differences between girls and boys are rarely examined in risk research. This longitudinal study of 356 families identified risk factors for the development of externalizing and internalizing disorders from childhood (age 4) to adolescence (age 14 years). The aim of this study is to examine gender differences in the predication. Mental disorders of boys were overall more predictable than those of girls. Mother’s substance abuse during pregnancy/breastfeeding, mother´s psychopathology and the presence of a mental disorder in the child in kindergarten age were identified as risk factors for internalizing and externalizing disorders in adolescence. There were no significant differences between girls and boys in predicting the individual risk factors. Externalizing disorders were better predicted than internalizing disorders. Early occurrence of mental health problems is important for the development of mental disorders. Further research on gender-specific risk factors is needed.