Objectives:
The comorbidity of psychiatric disorders and substance abuse disorders among adolescents and adults is well-documented in the literature (Colder et al., 2013). The current study investigates the relationship between psychiatric and substance use disorders in a sample of treatment-seeking Hispanic adolescents.
Methods:
The study uses baseline data (N = 190) from a randomized control trial testing the effectiveness of a family-based treatment for Hispanic adolescents with substance abuse disorder to examine the relationship between psychiatric disorders and substance use patterns at baseline, including types of substances used (both lifetime use and past month use) and age of onset of substance use controlling for age and gender.
Results:
Linear regression models were used to examine predictors of age of onset while logistic regression models examined predictors of lifetime substance use. Significant findings predicting age of onset for marijuana and alcohol are discussed. Additionally, psychiatric profiles were differentially associated with lifetime sedative, stimulant, and hallucinogens, but not alcohol and marijuana.
Conclusions:
Findings from this study can be used to help inform the treatment of adolescents seeking mental health and substance use services.