Predictors of Mental Health Diagnoses Among Youth in Psychiatric Residential Care: A Retrospective Case Record Analysis

In this study the relation between familial risk factors and maltreatment types and mental health diagnoses among youth in residential care were examined. Using data from a larger study, six separate hierarchical logistic regression models were specified using family risk factors and maltreatment type to predict risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reactive attachment disorder, and major depressive disorder. The results show that, for this population, demographic characteristics are more predictive of diagnoses compared to family risk factors and maltreatment. Specifically, age and gender significantly predicted four out of the six diagnoses. Maltreatment types were associated with two diagnoses, ADHD and PTSD. Findings from this study suggest residential treatment programs should include person-centered treatment plans considering demographics and maltreatment experiences.