What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to examine the prevalence and comorbidity of PTSD, major depression, and substance abuse in adolescents exposed to violence.

January 1, 2003

Violence and risk of PTSD, major depression, substance abuse/dependence, and comorbidity: Results from the National Survey of Adolescents.

Key Points

This study aims to examine the prevalence and comorbidity of PTSD, major depression, and substance abuse in adolescents exposed to violence.
National household probability sample with 4,023 adolescents aged 12-17
Prevalence rates were calculated for PTSD, major depressive episode, and substance abuse/dependence
Comorbidity was assessed among the diagnosed disorders.
16% of boys and 19% of girls met criteria for at least one diagnosis
6-month PTSD rates: 3.7% boys, 6.3% girls; 6-month MDE rates: 7.4% boys, 13.9% girls; 12-month SA/D rates: 8.2% boys, 6.2% girls
PTSD showed higher likelihood of comorbidity compared to MDE and SA/D.

Abstract

With a national household probability sample of 4,023 telephone-interviewed adolescents ages 12-17, this study provides prevalence, comorbidity, and risk-factor data for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive episode (MDE), and substance abuse/dependence (SA/D). Roughly 16% of boys and 19% of girls met criteria for at least 1 diagnosis. Six-month PTSD prevalence was 3.7% for boys and 6.3% for girls, 6-month MDE prevalence was 7.4% for boys and 13.9% for girls, and 12-month SA/D prevalence was 8.2% for boys and 6.2% for girls. PTSD was more likely to be comorbid than were MDE and SA/D. Results generally support the hypothesis that exposure to interpersonal violence (i.e., physical assault, sexual assault, or witnessed violence) increases the risk of these disorders and of diagnostic comorbidity.

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