Major depression and drug disorders in adolescence: general and specific impairments in early adulthood.

Objective: To identify adulthood impairments associated with major depression and drug disorders in adolescence, distinguishing between general impairments for both disorders and specific impairments for each disorder.

Method: Within a longitudinal community study (N= 365), the Diagnostic Interview Schedule provided 1-year diagnoses of major depression and drug abuse/dependence at age 18. At age 21, current functioning was assessed.

Comorbidity of substance use and post-traumatic stress disorders in a community sample of adolescents.

A study of 384 18-year-old adolescents living in the community demonstrated a frequent co-occurrence of substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Multiple pathways appeared to lead to this comorbidity, which was associated with widespread psychological impairment that might have serious developmental consequences. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

General and specific childhood risk factors for depression and drug disorders by early adulthood.

Objective: To identify childhood risk factors that predict depression and drug disorders by early adulthood, distinguishing between general risk factors for both disorders and specific risk factors for each individual disorder.

Method: Within a longitudinal community study (N = 360), familial and behavioral-emotional characteristics were assessed in early childhood (ages 5, 6, and 9 years). At age 21, the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, version III-revised, provided lifetime diagnoses of major depression and drug abuse/dependence.

Major depression in the transition to adulthood: risks and impairments.

An ongoing longitudinal community study (N = 375) examined childhood risks and later adult impairments associated with 1-year Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., rev.; American Psychiatric Association, 1987) diagnoses of major depression during the transition to adulthood.