Psychiatry in orthodontics. Part 2: Substance abuse among adolescents and its relevance to orthodontic practice.
Substance abuse by adolescents is a serious problem that will touch every orthodontic practice. Recent data show that 40% of tenth graders in the United States will use an illicit drug at some time, and 18% will do so in a 30-day period. These are significant figures that should impact orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The nature of orthodontic treatment is unique in that the orthodontist will see relatively healthy adolescent patients on a monthly basis over a period of years. The orthodontist is in a prime position to recognize potential substance abuse problems and make referrals. This article discusses various types of substance abuse, diagnosis, options for referral, and orthodontic implications.
University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry, San Antonio, Texas, USA. wendell_n@yahoo.com
Wendell W
WW
Neeley
G Thomas
GT
Kluemper
Lon R
LR
Hays
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D004300:Doping in Sports; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D009970:Orthodontics; D024382:Professional Role; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013256:Steroids; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D013256:Steroids