Aims To examine the longitudinal associations in both directions between mental health and substance use in adolescence.Design Three-year longitudinal cohort.Setting Britain (nationally representative sample).Participants 3607 youths aged 11[ndash]16 years at baseline.Measurements Externalizing and internalizing mental health problems were measured using brief questionnaires (parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and diagnostic interviews, including clinician-rated diagnoses of mental disorder. Substance use was measured by youth self-report, and included regular smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, regular cannabis use and ever taking other illicit drugs.Findings Externalizing (specifically behavioural) problems at baseline independently predicted all forms of substance use, with a particularly strong effect on smoking.
Read this article:
Substance use and common child mental health problems: examining longitudinal associations in a British sample
Post a Comment