Teen Substance Abuse and Depression Treatment Response

This study is one of the first to examine the association between substance use and depression treatment among depressed teens. The findings are consistent with other studies that found depression severity to be associated with a history of physical or sexual abuse, coexisting ODD or CD, and substance-related impairment. (see full article at Shrink Rap)

While not conclusive, this study out of the University of Toronto raises important questions and reminders of the common link in adolescents between substance abuse and depression, including the value of screening for this connection even when a full-blown substance disorder is not present.