The impact of co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders among substance-abusing youth

Abstract

Background: Co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent amongst substance-using young adolescents, and have been associated with a range of adverse outcomes. Few studies however have examined the impact of affective disorders in samples of older adolescents and young adults attending youth drug treatment services. Methods: One hundred young people (mean age 19.4 years) were recruited from two youth drug treatment services in Melbourne, Australia. A structured interview and questionnaires assessing drug use, psychopathology, risk-taking behaviours and quality of life were administered at a mutually convenient location. Results: Fifty percent of the sample met criteria for at ..