NCJ Number
134950
Journal
International Journal of the Addictions Volume: 25 Issue: 4A Dated: (1990-1991) Pages: 481-494
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
A sample of 474 children with at least one alcoholic parent was used to identify marker variables and early signs of substance abuse, which are essential for early intervention and prevention. The sample included 138 children at risk for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder (Comorbid), 227 at risk for psychiatric disorder alone (PD), and 109 children whose alcoholic parents were diagnosis-free (Dx-Free).
Abstract
The findings indicated greater adjustment problems and family disorganization in the two risk groups, however, the results did not discriminate between the Comorbid and PD risk groups. During a follow-up study, conducted when the samples reached young adulthood, the results showed that DSM-III disorders were more common in both the risk groups. However, the subjects at risk for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorders were more deviant than the PD group in terms of social and occupational competence, the Global Assessment Scale (GAS), depression, antisocial personality, and substance abuse. 3 tables and 48 references