Antecedents and sex/gender differences in youth suicidal behavior

Table 1 Proposed sex/gender antecedents of youth suicide

Genetic vulnerabilities and sex/gender differences in early adverse environments affect neurodevelopment and sex/gender differences in:

Early internalizing and externalizing (co)morbidity where ODD ± anxiety symptoms or disorders precede:

Irritable depression with more reactive or “impulsive” aggression in boys

Irritable depression with more proactive or “planned” aggression in girls

Substance misuse

Mood and/or substance use disorders (not necessarily diagnosed or treated)

Sex/gender differences in perceived threats and losses

Sex/gender differences in adaptations to pain (e.g., disclosure, and to whom) and suicide attempt methods

ODD: Oppositional Defiant Disorder.