Substance abuse and associated psychiatric disorder among 100 adolescents

One hundred adolescents aged 14 to 20 were studied in treatment programs located in two states (Minnesota and Oklahoma). The purpose of the study was to assess the course of substance use, number and type of substance disorder diagnoses, severity of substance disorder, treatment history for substance disorder, and psychiatric comorbidity. Duration of course, frequency of substance use, abuse vs. dependence, types of substances used, and associated problems are described as a function of age. Areas of psychiatric and social assessment included: (1) psychiatric self rating scales in those 17 years and older (BDI and SCL-90); (2) psychiatrist rated scales (Hamiltons for anxiety and depression, BPRS, GAS); (3) psychosocial status (Hollingshead and Redlich SES, DSM-III Axes 3 and 4); (4) associated Axis 1 psychiatric diagnoses; (5) family history of mood and other psychiatric disorder; (6) childhood history; and (7) history of previous psychiatric treatment. These data confirm the severity of substance use among younger adolescents presenting to clinical facilities with substance disorder, but further reveal progressive substance disorder severity as these adolescents age. Both self rated and psychiatrist rated scales showed increased depressive symptoms with increasing age. Eating Disorders occurred more often among older adolescents. Loss of either parent in childhood was associated with younger current age.