The impact of childhood psychopathology interventions on subsequent substance abuse: policy implications, comments, and recommendations

This article makes observations about policy implications and offers a combination of commentary and recommendation regarding the special issue on the impact of childhood psychopathology interventions on subsequent substance abuse. The authors mention forward-looking directives to expand the mandate for early intervention, to expand the research agenda for randomized clinical trials, and to develop a policy-oriented evidence base. They also note topics that require consideration and offer recommendations with regard to how to proceed. The special issue, as well as this discussion, will spark thought and action directed toward the evaluation of interventions for youths to assess the degree to which treating mental disorders has beneficial effects on the sequelae of the initial intervention target.