Conduct Disorder and Substance use Dlsorder: Comorbidity in a Clinical Sample of Preadolescents and Adolescents

Abstract

Objective To examine the rate of comorbidity between conduct disorder and substance use disorder in a clinical sample using the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents - Revised. Method Examined the pattern of conduct disorder symptoms, including type, number, and severity, in conduct-disordered youth diagnosed with, and without a comorbid substance use disorder. Results The examination revealed no significant differences in the incidence of comorbidity between younger (aged 10 to 13) and older (above age 13) youth. Among youth who met criteria for conduct disorder, 52% also met criteria for a substance use disorder. Odds ratios indicated that the probability of comorbidity of conduct and substance use disorders was higher in the younger group. Conclusion Substance abuse and dependence tend to develop rapidly following first use, suggesting that a slim window of opportunity exists to prevent substance disorders once drug use has begun.