Reductions in Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Youth Receiving Substance Use Treatment. (25th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horigian, Viviana E.; Weems, Carl F.; Robbins, Michael S.; Feaster, Daniel J.; Ucha, Jessica; Miller, Michael; Werstlein, Robert
• Is Part Of: American journal on addictions. Volume 22:Number 4(2013:Jul./Aug.)
• Page Start: 329
• Page End: 337
• Publication Date: 2013-06-25
• Subjects: Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.86005
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2013.12031.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1055-0496

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ajad12031-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background and Objectives</title> <p>Research shows that interventions for substance use disorders may be helpful in reducing internalizing disorders in adolescents. This paper examines the prevalence and reductions of anxiety and depression symptoms among youth receiving substance use treatment.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajad12031-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Four hundred eighty adolescents ages 12–17 who received treatment for substance abuse as part of the Brief Strategic Family Therapy effectiveness trial were screened for anxiety and depression using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children‐Predictive Scales (DISC‐PS). Twelve‐month post‐randomization assessments were completed by 327 parents and 315 youth. Sixty‐five percent of the sample was found to have probability of at least one anxiety disorder or depression diagnosis.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajad12031-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Significant reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms and significant reductions in probable anxiety and depression diagnoses were observed at follow‐up. Few differences by treatment type and by ethnic group were noticed.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajad12031-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions and Scientific Significance</title> <p>Findings indicate that substance use interventions might help reduce the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and the probability of these disorders. (Am J Addict 2013;22:329–337)</p> </sec> </abstract>