Predictors of comorbid alcohol and substance abuse in depressed adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To identify clinical profiles discriminating depressed adolescents on the basis of comorbid alcohol/substance use disorders and to determine whether or not profiles with high predictive power are gender-specific.


METHODS
One hundred three adolescent inpatients with major depression (65 girls, 38 boys) participated in a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Independent assessments of depression, suicidality, and psychosocial adjustment were conducted using well-validated instruments.


RESULTS
Gender-specific clinical profiles were identified that predicted alcohol/substance abuse in depressed adolescents with high levels of sensitivity (90%). The significant discriminant function for depressed girls included the following predictors: longer depressive episodes, more conduct problems and psychosocial impairment, and more active involvement in relationships with boys. The significant discriminant function for depressed boys included conduct disorder, older age, and schoolwork problems. These profiles correctly identified most depressed adolescents with comorbid alcohol/substance abuse.


CONCLUSIONS
Given that alcohol abuse and depression are associated with highly impaired social functioning and increased risk of self-harm, sensitivity in case identification is critical. Clinicians should conduct comprehensive assessments of alcohol/substance abuse in depressed adolescents with the identified clinical profiles.
King
C A
CA
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
Ghaziuddin
N
N
McGovern
L
L
Brand
E
E
Hill
E
E
Naylor
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012917:Social Adjustment; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology