Examining whether the relationships between specific psychiatric diagnoses and both adolescent suicide and reoffending are moderated by sex

The current study examines the relationships between specific psychiatric diagnoses and both adolescent suicide and reoffending, the implications of adverse childhood experiences on these outcomes, and assesses whether these relationships are moderated by sex. Using a multilayer multiyear statewide sample of 6,515 adolescents who completed juvenile justice residential placements, logistic regression and moderation models were used to examine these relationships. Findings demonstrate that the rate of suicidal ideation was 2.5 times higher for female youth, while the recidivism rate was 1.7 times higher for males. Psychiatric diagnoses prevalence ranged from 65.9% for conduct disorder to less than 1% for personality disorders, schizophrenia, and psychotic disorders Clinical symptoms of traumatic exposure increased suicidal ideation across models, while adverse childhood experience exposures increased recidivism in all models. Covariates operated similarly for both males and females across outcomes, with limited exceptions. Policy implications for residential treatment programs are elucidated, including screening, staff training, and trauma-informed approaches.