Related Experiment Videos
Depressive illness among chemically dependent adolescents.
E Y Deykin1, S L Buka, T H Zeena
1Department of Maternal and Child Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Depression is common in chemically dependent adolescents, affecting nearly 25%. Factors like gender, paternal issues, and abuse are linked to depression, which may have different causes and require varied treatments.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Substance Use Disorders
Background:
- Adolescent depression is a significant public health concern.
- Chemical dependence in adolescents is often comorbid with mental health disorders.
- Understanding depression's prevalence and correlates in this population is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depression in adolescents undergoing treatment for chemical dependence.
- To identify sociodemographic, familial, and experiential factors associated with depression in this group.
- To explore differences between depression that precedes and follows chemical dependence.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 223 adolescents (aged 15-19) in residential treatment for alcohol or drug dependence were interviewed.
- The National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule was used for diagnosis according to DSM-III-R criteria.
- Data collected included sociodemographics, school/social performance, history, family composition, familial substance abuse, and victimization.
Main Results:
- 24.7% of adolescents met DSM-III-R criteria for depression.
- Traditional depression correlates were weak, suggesting chemical dependence overrides other predictors.
- Female gender, paternal psychopathology, and victimization (physical/sexual abuse) were associated with depression.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of depressive illness was ~3 times higher than in nonreferred adolescents.
- Two distinct groups were identified: primary depression and depression subsequent to chemical dependence.
- These groups may represent different pathological processes requiring distinct treatment approaches.