Epidemiologic Evidence for Early Onset of Mental Disorders and Higher Risk of Drug Abuse in Young Adults

• NCJ Number: 138145
• Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 145 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1988) Pages: 971-975
• Author(s): K A Christie; J D Burke Jr; D A Regier; D S Rae; J H Boyd; B Z Locke
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada, September 30, 1986

Annotation

Data from the National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program, an epidemiologic survey of five communities, revealed that four major mental disorders commonly begin in late adolescence or young adulthood.

Abstract

The data came from 4,778 persons 18-30 years of age in Los Angeles; New Haven, Connecticut; Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; and Durham, North Carolina. They completed diagnostic interviews that gathered lifetime information about symptoms relevant for specific diagnoses. Results were compiled for each site and for the total group. Findings revealed that the median age at onset for anxiety disorders was 15 years; for major depressive episode, 24 years; for drug abuse or dependence, 19 years; and for alcohol abuse or dependence, 21 years. Findings also suggested that for persons 18-30 years old, having a major depressive episode or anxiety disorder doubled the risk for later drug abuse or dependence. The results produced a significant indication that major disorders have their onset in adolescence or earlier and should stimulate studies of therapeutic or preventive interventions with adolescents as well as research on the underlying nature of the relationship. Tables and 38 references