Trends and Disparities in Treatment for Co-occurring Major Depression and Substance Use Disorders Among US Adolescents From 2011 to 2019

Abstract

IMPORTANCEMajor depression and substance use disorders (SUD) commonly co-occur among adolescents, yet little is known about treatment use among adolescents with both conditions. Given the reciprocal influence of these conditions on each other and low prevalence of treatment overall, current information on quantification and trends in treatment of co-occurring depression and SUD is critical toward assessing how the field is performing in reaching youth in need of these services, and among youth with sociodemographic risk factors. OBJECTIVE To examine temporal trends and sociodemographic disparities in the treatment of co-occurring major depression and SUD among US adolescents. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This survey study used publicly available data for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years from the annual cross-sectional surveys of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2011 to 2019 to assess co-occurrence of major depressive episodes (MDE) and SUD through time and prevalence of treatment for either or both of these conditions. Data were analyzed between October 2020 and February 2021. EXPOSURES Survey years, adolescent age, gender, race and ethnicity, type of insurance, annual household income, family structure, and residential stability. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Presence and treatment of co-occurring 12-month MDE and SUD.

Ecological Factors of Telemental Healthcare Utilization Among Adolescents with Increased Substance Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Effect of Gender

“…Due to differences between male and female adolescents in help-seeking behaviors and social issues, it is important to consider differentiated treatment strategies and screening tools (Lu et al, 2021 ). For male adolescents, mentoring, group interactions, and shared activities in informal spaces with a focus on expressing emotions and experiences of mental health may promote seeking mental healthcare (Burke et al, 2022 ; Calear et al, 2009 ).…”

“…The National Institute of Mental Health ( 2022 ) found that only 40% of adolescents with diagnosed conditions sought help. Lu et al’s ( 2021 ) survey reported that less than 12% of adolescents with co-occurring conditions of major depression and substance use utilized mental health services. Some challenges surrounding adolescents in seeking mental healthcare include mental health literacy (Radez et al, 2021 ), fear, lack of family support (Al Omari et al, 2022 ), self and social stigma (Fante-Coleman & Jackson-Best, 2020 ), and past negative experiences (Gulliver et al, 2010 ).…”

Back to Basics: Lifestyle Interventions for Adolescent Depression

“…Adolescents with depression may turn to substances to cope with their symptoms. Depression may be more difficult to treat if co-occurring substance use disorders are not treated 124 . Simultaneous treatment of both depression and substance use is more likely to lead to better outcomes 125 …”

“…Depression may be more difficult to treat if co-occurring substance use disorders are not treated. 124 Simultaneous treatment of both depression and substance use is more likely to lead to better outcomes. 125 Several established preventive interventions target drug and alcohol use among youth.…”

Attention to Co-occurring Disorders, Crisis Care, and Adequate Funding May Bolster Pediatric Access to Behavioral Health Care

“…First, it is important to note that the while the study by Hoffmann et al focused on mental health conditions and the suicide rate, many adolescents and even younger children may require care for primary or co-occurring substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, and physical health conditions . Co-occurring conditions may exacerbate access to care challenges.…”