Co-occurring Mental Disorders in Transitional Aged Youth With Substance Use Disorders – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are often referred to as youth. Transitional psychiatry addresses this target group, which considers patients between 15 and 25 years of age. Substance use usually begins and peaks at this stage of life. Psychiatric disorders, foremost attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and affective disorders, conduct disorders, and first-episodes psychosis frequently appear in early life stages. This review aims to provide a broad overview of transitional-aged youth's most common psychiatric comorbidities with substance use disorders. A literature search was conducted in Embase and Pubmed, and the main findings are described narratively. We present main findings for the following comorbidities: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, personality disorders, affective disorders, psychotic disorders, and the phenomena of overdose and suicidality. In conclusion, co-occurring mental health disorders are common and appear to facilitate the development of substance use disorders and exacerbate their overall course. Substance use also affects the severity and course of comorbid psychiatric disorders. Overall, data on transition-age youth with substance use disorders are highly inconsistent. Universal screening and treatment guidelines do not yet exist but should be aimed for in the future.

A Multi-Level Analysis of Biological, Social, and Psychological Determinants of Substance Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Mental Health Outcomes

“…A study of juvenile detainees [53] demonstrated that substance use, behavioral disorders, and internalizing disorders predict the development of SUD. This underlines the importance of treating childhood/adolescent disorders to reduce the emergence of secondary SUD [50].…”

“…A narrative review shows a strong connection between mental disorders and SUD in TAY, the span period that encompasses adolescence and emerging adulthood, approximately between 15 and 25 years of age. Initiation of drug use peaks in adolescence, but in many cases, drug use gradually decreases after this period [50]. Most adolescents do not show problematic use patterns, and this spike can be considered experimental drug use [50].…”

“…Initiation of drug use peaks in adolescence, but in many cases, drug use gradually decreases after this period [50]. Most adolescents do not show problematic use patterns, and this spike can be considered experimental drug use [50].…”

“…It has been found that preexisting mental disorders represent risk factors for the emergence and progression of SUD [50]. A narrative review highlights a common comorbidity between mental disorders and SUD among adolescents and young adults [50]. According to the authors, the two issues negatively influence each other.…”

The Counterproductive Effect of Right Anodal/Left Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex on Impulsivity in Methamphetamine Addicts

“…Substance use disorders are prevalent health problems that are accompanied by mental disorders ( 1 ) and physical dysfunction ( 2 ), even underlying factors in criminal behavior ( 3 ). Individuals who chronically use methamphetamine exhibit higher behavioral impulsivity ( 4 ) which may result in constant drug use and relapse ( 5 , 6 ).…”