Emergency department-based intervention with adolescent substance users: 12-month outcomes.

We evaluated the 12-month outcomes of a brief intervention, enhanced by a consistent support person, which aimed to facilitate referral attendance for substance use treatment following a hospital alcohol or other drug (AOD) presentation. Outcomes were assessed as: attendance for substance use treatment; the number of hospital AOD ED presentations; change in AOD consumption and psychological wellbeing (GHQ-12). We recruited 127 adolescents, with 60 randomised to the intervention and 67 receiving usual care.

Effectiveness of a brief-intervention and continuity of care in enhancing attendance for treatment by adolescent substance users.

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief intervention enhanced by a consistent support person in facilitating attendance for substance use treatment following a hospital alcohol or other drug (AOD) presentation.

Participants: We recruited 127 adolescents (aged 12-19 years) from hospital emergency departments, 57 were female. Sixty were randomly assigned to receive the intervention and 67 to receive standard hospital care.

Multiple hospital presentations by adolescents who use alcohol or other drugs.

Aims: To investigate 'all cause' and the subset of 'alcohol or other drug' (AOD) related hospital emergency department (ED) presentations over 12 months by adolescents with a previously identified AOD ED presentation.

Design And Setting: A retrospective review of medical records in four metropolitan hospitals in Perth, Australia.

Participants: One hundred and fifty-two adolescents (13-19 years) identified during a previous 4-week study.

A review of the validity of the General Health Questionnaire in adolescent populations.

Objective: To comprehensively review the validity of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) [1] with adolescents (aged 12-19). Although the GHQ has been extensively used and validated with adults and has been frequently used with adolescents, the validity data for this group are sporadic.

Method: Systematic review of the English language peer-reviewed literature.