Epidemiological studies of substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs) have provided an abundance of data on the patterns of substance use in nationally representative samples across the world (Degenhardt et al. 2008; Johnston et al. 2011; SAMHSA 2011). This paper presents a summary of the goals, methods and recent findings on the epidemiology of substance use and disorders in the general population of adults and adolescents and describes the methods and findings on the genetic epidemiology of drug use disorders. The high 12 month prevalence rates of substance dependence in U.S. adults (about 12% for alcohol and 2–3% for illicit drugs) approximate those of other mental disorders as well as chronic physical disorders with major public health impact. New findings from the nationally representative samples of U.S. youth reveal that the lifetime prevalence of alcohol use disorders is approximately 8% and illicit drug use disorders is 2–3% (Merikangas et al. 2010; Swendsen et al. in press, SAMSHA, 2011). The striking increase in prevalence rates from ages 13 to 18 highlight adolescence as the key period of development of substance use disorders. The application of genetic epidemiological studies has consistently demonstrated that genetic factors have a major influence on progression of substance use to dependence, whereas environmental factors unique to the individual play an important role in exposure and initial use of substances. Identification of specific susceptibility genes and environmental factors that influence exposure and progression of drug use may enhance our ability to prevent and treat substance use disorders.
The purpose of this investigation was to extend earlier conceptual and empirical literature on the ways in which White individuals respond to societal racism. To this end, the authors conducted in-depth interviews to examine 11 midwestern, non-Hispanic, White university students' reactions and experiences related to individual and institutional forms of racism perpetrated against people of color. We used the consensual qualitative research method to analyze these data. Results suggested that White students varied in their understanding of and responses to racism. Three topic domains, each consisting of a number of subcategories, reflected participants' varied responses to racism: (a) affective, (b) social, and (c) cognitive. Findings add to the existing literature by identifying in greater depth the multiple ways in which dominant group members respond to societal racism. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
A systematic review of trauma treatment outcome literature was conducted to determine the impact of treatment on comorbid panic symptoms. Major databases were searched (from 1989 to 2013) and 64 randomized controlled trials using cognitive behavioral approaches to treat acute stress disorder, subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and full PTSD met inclusion criteria for this review. Results showed that 41% of the studies reviewed did not assess for Axis I psychiatric comorbidity at any point during the course of treatment. Only 5% of the studies reviewed reported rates of comorbid panic disorder (PD) at more than one time point during the study. Results indicate that approximately 56% of people no longer meet PD criteria following PTSD treatment.
The current study seeks to build on to the existing literature on career interventions by empirically examining possible outcomes of two of the most widely utilized career interventions, career counseling and career courses. This investigation used Critical Ingredients (Brown & Ryan Krane, 2000;Brown, et al., 2003;Ryan, 1999) to assess the components of career counseling and career courses and the relationship between number of critical ingredients and student outcomes. Critical Ingredients were also used in a separate pilot study where career counselors and students were asked to report the number of critical ingredients present in a career counseling session. Student course participants (N = 139) and counseling participants (N = 130), enrolled at a large Midwestern university were assessed at three timepoints during the iii Acknowledgments
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