Half of drug treatment adolescents had psychiatric history

Half of adolescents attending a drug treatment service had a history of psychiatric disorders, according to research.

The study claims to be the first to present data on the extent of psychiatric problems among young people with a drug problem attending a clinical centre.

The research was carried out in the Youth Drug and Alcohol (Yoda) service, the largest outpatient adolescent substance misuse treatment programme in Dublin.

The study examined 144 individuals aged between 13-19 who attended the service over 18 months in 2010 and 2011.

It found:

* 48% of patients had a lifetime history of psychiatric disorders;

* Deliberate self-harm was the most common condition, at 27%;

* Attention deficit disorder accounted for 21%;

* Depression accounted for 10%.

The research found a that history of psychiatric disorders was significantly higher in girls than boys — 73% of girls attending the service, compared to 43% of boys.

Depression, self-harm, and anxiety disorder was far more common among girls, while attention deficit disorder and psychosis was higher among boys.

The research found that 38% of all patients were neither engaged in the education system, vocational training nor employed. The average age of leaving school was 15, the average age for first using drugs was 13.

It found that 17% were in State care, while a further 6% were living with people other than their parents. Cannabis and alcohol were by far the most common substances being abused (62% and 23% respectively).

The research found that 78% had some dealings with criminal justice agencies: 36% have been admitted to the Garda juvenile diversion programme, 35% were facing criminal charges, while 7% have been given cautions by gardaí.

The study was published in Mental Health and Substance Use and made available by the Health Research Board.

The authors said the research showed that adolescent females with substance use disorders were more likely to have mental health problems than males.

It said previous research indicated that factors shared by girls and boys who self-harm include substance misuse and knowing others who engaged in it.

Concluding, the authors said: “Adolescent substance abuse treatment services should have staff properly equipped with the skills to assess and manage co-occuring psychiatric problems.”