Adolescent problem behaviours predicting DSM-IV diagnoses of multiple substance use disorder

Abstract

Background: Whether there is an independent association between problem behaviours and substance use disorders (SUD) needs further investigation. This study examined prospective associations of adolescent psychopathology and problem behaviours with SUD in early adulthood, and whether these associations are confounded by other factors. Method: Data were from a prospective study of 2,429 young Australian adults from birth to the age of 21 when data on SUD were collected. Adolescent psychopathology and behaviour were assessed at 14 years via the Youth Self Report instrument on eight sub-scales of emotional and behavioural problems. Results: In multivariate analyses, attention problems, delinquency, and aggression were associated with both single and multiple SUD in early adulthood, with delinquent behaviour being the strongest predictor (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-2.9 for one SUD and OR = 3.6, 95% CI 2.4-5.0 for multiple SUDs). Conclusions: Problem behaviours, in particular delinquency and aggression in early adolescence predict long-term SUD. The results suggest that substance use prevention programs should target adolescents with early symptoms of psychopathology and problem behaviour.

Childhood and adolescent psychopathology and subsequent tobacco smoking in young adults: findings from an Australian birth cohort

“…At the 21 year follow-up the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-Auto) was used to assess nicotine dependence according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria [11][12][13]. The CIDI-Auto is a structured diagnostic interview that can produce DSM-IV and ICD-10 diagnoses.…”

“…The temporal sequence between tobacco smoking and psychopathology in adolescents and young adults continues to be a matter of dispute [13,17,18]. Three causal pathways are possible.…”

Problem behaviours, traditional bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents: longitudinal analyses

“…Other confounders such as family structure, family functioning, socio-economic status, and parental substance use may impact on involvement in problem behaviours (Hayatbakhsh et al, 2008). Separate models were used to examine the independent effect of cyberbullying over and above the effects of traditional bullying on problem behaviours.…”

Differential Effects of Mental Health Problems Among Truant Youths

“…62-63 Emotional and psychological functioning problems have been found to be related to substance use in delinquent 64 and non-delinquent 65 samples of boys and girls. Therefore, it is reasonable to anticipate significant associations between mental health and delinquency and substance use will emerge in truant populations.…”