Intelligence and academic achievement in inpatient adolescents with comorbid anxiety and depression

Few studies have investigated the relationship between comorbid depression and anxiety and cognitive and academic functioning. To understand this relationship, this study used a retrospective chart review from an inpatient facility for 42 adolescents diagnosed with a comorbid anxiety and depressive disorder. Multiple regression was used to determine whether anxiety and depression predicted academic achievement, as well as whether intelligence predicted current levels of anxiety and depression. Results indicated that higher severity of depression was associated with lower reading (β = -0.39) and writing (β = -0.40) achievement, while higher severity of anxiety was associated with higher scores on reading (β = 0.41) and writing (β = 0.36). Full-scale IQ was not significantly predictive of anxiety severity (β = 0.08) or depression severity (β = -0.24). Results are discussed in terms of identifying risk factors and improving outcomes for adolescents with severe comorbid anxiety and depression psychopathology.