The importance of conduct problems and depressive symptoms in predicting adolescent substance abuse

A study traced the correlation between conduct disorders, depression and drug abuse in New Zealand's youths. A group of 752 youths were studied once at the age of 11 and again at the age of 15. Males who exhibited conduct disorders and depression at the age of 11 exhibited multiple drug use at the age of 15. There was no such correlation for females. A strong correlation existed between conduct and depressive disorders and concurrent multiple drug use for both male and female 15-year-olds. Females who experienced conduct and depressive disorders at 15 were likely to practice concurrent self-medication.