Trends in ecstasy use in the United States from 1995 to 2001: Comparison with marijuana users and association with other drug use.

This study aims to estimate changes in the prevalence of ecstasy use over time, analyze the overlap of ecstasy use and other drug use, and compare other drug use in ecstasy versus marijuana users. The authors hypothesized that ecstasy users early in the "epidemic" would be polydrug users and that associations between ecstasy and other drug use would diminish as the prevalence of ecstasy use increased. Data were drawn from public use data files from the 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. Ecstasy use increased in the U.S. population and the prevalence was greater in younger age groups. Ecstasy users were likely to use a variety of other drugs; however, association of ecstasy use with other drug use was strongest early in the "epidemic," diminishing as the number of new users increased. Later, more drug-naive adolescents and young adults began experimenting with ecstasy. These results can orient prevention strategies that target ecstasy users. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychiatric disorders and sexual risk among adolescents in mental health treatment.

Objective: To examine the relationship between psychiatric disorders and sexual behaviors among adolescents receiving mental health treatment. Adolescents in mental health treatment have been found to have higher rates of HIV risk behavior than their peers, but data concerning the relationship between psychopathology and risk are inconsistent and limited. Method: Eight hundred and forty adolescents (56% female, 58% African American, mean age = 14.9 years) and their parents completed computerized assessments of psychiatric symptoms via the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (Shaffer, 2000a, 2000b). Adolescents also reported on sexual risk behaviors (vaginal/anal sex, condom use at last sex) and completed urine screens for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Results: Adolescents meeting criteria for mania, externalizing disorders (oppositional defiant, conduct, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders), or comorbid for externalizing and internalizing disorders (major depressive, generalized anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorders) were significantly more likely to report a lifetime history of vaginal or anal sex than those who did not meet criteria for any psychiatric disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 2.3, and 1.9, respectively). Adolescents meeting criteria for mania were significantly more likely to have 2 or more partners in the past 90 days (OR = 3.2) and to test positive for a STI (OR = 4.3) relative to adolescents who did not meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder. Conclusions: The presence of internalizing and externalizing disorders, especially mania, suggests the need for careful screening and targeting of adolescent sexual behavior during psychiatric treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Beginning adolescent drug use and peer and adult interaction patterns.

Interaction patterns among drug users, their peers, and significant adults have been implicated as causal factors of later drug abuse. Data were collected from 1,634 adolescents about their current use of 13 substances and about their interactions with peers and significant adults. Five canonical dimensions were necessary to explain the significant covariation in each of 2 comparable samples. The replicated pattern of rotated canonical loadings indicated that users of various classes of substances associated with other individuals who used the same substances. Other indicators of interaction patterns did not suggest that the drug users had friends who were particularly deviant. Adolescent drug users do not appear to form subcultures delineated from nonuser subcultures along interaction dimensions other than that of drug use. The results are consistent with an interactionist-socialization viewpoint of the development of drug use. (36 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Monitoring challenges: A closer look at parental monitoring, maternal psychopathology, and adolescent sexual risk.

The present study sought to examine associations between maternal psychopathology, parental monitoring, and adolescent sexual activity among adolescents in mental health treatment. Seven hundred ninety mother-adolescent dyads recruited from adolescent mental health treatment settings completed audio computer-assisted structured interview assessments examining parent psychiatric symptoms, parental monitoring, and adolescent sexual risk behavior. Path analysis was used to examine the associations between variables of interest. Maternal caregivers who reported more mental health symptoms were more likely to have adolescents who reported recent sex and this relationship was mediated by less parental monitoring. These findings suggest that maternal caregivers with mental health symptoms may need specific interventions that provide assistance and support in monitoring their teens in order to reduce sexual risk taking among adolescents in mental health treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychiatric hospitalization of adolescents for conduct disorder

OBJECTIVE: The authors' goal was to review current published literature on the psychiatric hospitalization of adolescents with a diagnosis of conduct disorder. METHODS: The English-language literature from 1980 to 1991 cited in the MEDLINE database was searched using the key words conduct disorder, adolescent psychiatric hospitalization, psychiatric hospitalization criteria, adolescent psychiatric inpatient hospitalization, and adolescent psychiatric admissions. RESULTS: A diagnosis of conduct disorder or presenting symptoms and behaviors consistent with that diagnosis are commonly reported for adolescent psychiatric admissions. Estimates of the percentage of admissions to psychiatric inpatient treatment facilities of adolescents with conduct disorder or symptoms consistent with that disorder range from 30 to 70 percent. There are no research-based criteria for hospitalization of adolescents for conduct disorder, and systematic studies of the outcome of psychiatric hospitalization for this group have not been published. Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and similar behavioral symptoms in conduct disorder and comorbid disorders complicate inpatient treatment of adolescents with conduct disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Studies of the outcome of psychiatric hospitalization of adolescents for conduct disorder are needed to determine the appropriate use of this modality.     

Sexual risk among African American girls: Psychopathology and mother–daughter relationships.

Objective: To examine the associations among mental health problems, maternal monitoring and permissiveness, mother–daughter communication and attachment, and sexual behaviors among African American girls receiving outpatient psychiatric care. Youths with mental health problems report higher rates of HIV-risk behavior than do their peers, and African American girls have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections than do girls of all other racial groups. Method: A sample of 12- to 16-year-old African American girls (N = 266, mean age = 14.46 years) and their female caregivers (73% biological mothers) completed computerized assessments of girls' mental health symptoms, maternal monitoring and permissiveness, and mother–daughter communication and attachment. Girls indicated their sexual risk behaviors (vaginal/anal sex, consistent condom use, number of partners). Results: African American girls who reported clinically significant externalizing problems, more permissive parenting, less open mother–daughter sexual communication, and more frequent mother–daughter communication were more likely to report having had vaginal and/or anal sex. Sexually active girls with greater maternal attachment were less likely to report inconsistent condom use. Conclusions: Findings revealed important risk and protective factors for African American girls in psychiatric care. HIV-prevention programs may be strengthened by improving mother–daughter relationships and communication and by reducing girls' mental health problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relationships between frequency and quantity of marijuana use and last year proxy dependence among adolescents and adults in the United States

The association between levels of marijuana use and last year dependence is investigated in a nationally representative sample of adolescents and adults, who used marijuana within the last year (n = 9284). Data are aggregated from three surveys (1991-1993) of the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. A proxy measure of DSM-IV dependence criteria was developed from self-reported symptoms of dependence and drug-related problems. Both frequency and quantity of marijuana use within the last year are linearly associated with the logit of the probability of being dependent on marijuana. The associations vary significantly by age but not gender. Adolescents are dependent at a lower frequency and quantity of use than adults: the differences diverge as level of use increases. Twice as many adolescents as adults who used marijuana near-daily or daily within the last year were identified as being dependent (35% versus 18%). Frequency and quantity of use each retained a unique effect on dependence, but frequency appeared to be more important than quantity in predicting last year dependence. These results provide insight into the processes underlying the age and sex differentials observed in the prevalence of marijuana dependence. The implications of the findings for the epidemiology of marijuana use and dependence are discussed.     

Childhood ADHD and Adolescent Substance Use: An Examination of Deviant Peer Group Affiliation as a Risk Factor.

Deviant peer group affiliation was evaluated as a risk factor for substance use in adolescents with childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Results showed that deviant peer affiliation mediated the relationship between ADHD and substance use, suggesting that children with ADHD are more likely than children without ADHD to become involved with deviant peers and, as a result, more likely to use substances. Moreover, the relationship between deviant peer affiliation and substance use was stronger for adolescents with ADHD, suggesting that once they are immersed in a deviant peer group, adolescents with ADHD are more vulnerable to the negative social influences of that group. This study is the first step in identifying high-risk pathways from childhood ADHD to substance use in adolescence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

CD5 B cells and B-cell malignancies

Evidence from both animal, and human, studies suggests that repeated administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA: "ecstasy") produces lasting decreases in serotonergic activity. Serotonin is believed to play a modulatory role in a variety of psychological processes, including learning and memory. There are recent reports that polydrug users, who have used ecstasy recreationally, exhibit selective impairments in memory. However, these studies did not compare ecstasy users with polydrug users who had not taken ecstasy, leaving open the possibility that the memory deficits may be associated with a history of use of other illicit drugs. The present study used the Rivermead Behavioural Memory test to investigate immediate and delayed recall in: 25 polydrug-users who had taken more than 20 tablets of ecstasy (MDMA group), 22 participants (polydrug controls) who had never taken ecstasy, but, otherwise has personal characteristics (e.g. age, gender, education, height, weight), and illicit drug use histories, that were generally not significantly different from those of the MDMA group, and 19 participants who had not used illicit drugs but who also had similar personal characteristics (non-drug controls). Participants in the MDMA group recalled significantly fewer ideas (approximately 75% of the number of ideas recalled by participants in either of the other two groups), in both immediate and delayed recall conditions. The two illicit drug-using groups did differ in their estimated IQ scores and their duration of use of LSD, but only the latter proved to be a statistically significant covariate, and the difference in recall performance between the MDMA and polydrug controls groups remained statistically significant when this variable was treated as a covariate. The present findings provide the first evidence that deficits in memory performance in recreational ecstasy users are primarily associated with past exposure to ecstasy, rather than with the other legal and illicit drugs consumed by these individuals, and are consistent with reduced serotonergic modulation of mnemonic function as a result of long-term neurotoxic effects of MDMA in humans.     

Adverse consequences of acute inhalant intoxication.

Inhalants are widely misused by adolescents and are among the most toxic of psychoactive substances. This investigation examined the prevalence and correlates of adverse consequences of acute inhalant intoxication. Adolescent inhalant users (n = 279) in residential care completed structured interviews including assessments of the characteristics of their inhalant use. Multivariate logistic and linear regression and path analyses identified correlates of adverse inhalant intoxication-related experiences. Results of this study indicated that high-risk behaviors and adverse outcomes experienced during episodes of inhalant intoxication were common in this sample. High-frequency inhalant users were significantly more likely than moderate- and low-frequency users to experience adverse consequences of inhalant intoxication. Certain risky behaviors and consequences, such as engaging in unprotected sex or acts of physical violence while high on inhalants, were dramatically more common among high-frequency users than low-frequency users. Prior traumatic experiences, trait impulsivity, self-medication use of inhalants, and polydrug use were significant correlates of adverse inhalant-intoxication-related consequences. Adverse events and high-risk behaviors commonly occurred during episodes of inhalant intoxication in this sample of adolescents. High-frequency inhalant users and youth who used inhalants to medicate negative affective states were at elevated risk for such events. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Tobacco use moderates the association between major depression and obesity.

Objective: Based on a maladaptive coping explanation, the relationship between major depression (MD) and obesity could be strong among nonsmokers, who may engage in unhealthy eating and sedentary behavior to cope with depression. By contrast, the MD-obesity association could be weak among smokers, who can use tobacco (instead of food or sedentary behavior) to cope with mood symptoms. This study examined smoking status and tobacco dependence as moderators of the MD-obesity link. Design: Correlational, cross-sectional population-based survey of 41,654 U.S. adults. Main Outcome Measures: Obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) and quantitative BMI value. Results: Current smoking status moderated the association between past-year MD and current obesity, as well as the link between MD and BMI value (ps ≤ .0001). MD predicted obesity and BMI among nonsmokers (ps ps ≥ .10). Similar findings emerged with tobacco dependence as the moderator. Each finding persisted after accounting for demographics, psychiatric variables, and potential confounds. Conclusion: Tobacco use characteristics appear to moderate the MD-obesity association in the U.S. population. These findings may shed light on the mechanisms linking MD and obesity and have implications for identifying which individuals may benefit most from obesity interventions that target depressive symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Childhood depressive symptoms and adolescent cigarette use: A six-year longitudinal study controlling for peer relations correlates.

Objective: To examine potential pathways between childhood depressive symptoms and adolescent cigarette use, controlling for potential “third variable” causes. Design: Participants included 250 youth (60% girls) who were in Grades 4 to 6 at study outset and in Grades 10 to 12 (M age = 16.78) at a 6-year follow-up. At Time 1, children completed measures of depressive symptoms, as well as peer nominations of peer acceptance, rejection, and aggressive behavior. Main Outcome Measures: Time 2 measures included adolescents’ own and close friends’ cigarette use, depressive symptoms, and externalizing behaviors; parents also reported on adolescent behaviors. Results: Higher levels of childhood depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior were associated longitudinally with cigarette use in adolescence. After controlling for other associations, higher levels of childhood depressive symptoms also were associated with higher levels of friends’ cigarette use in adolescence and higher levels of adolescent depressive symptoms; each of these adolescent outcomes was concurrently associated with cigarette use. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms in childhood may lead to altered developmental trajectories that either directly or indirectly contribute to adolescent outcomes, including cigarette use. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cardiac effects of isoliquiritigenin

This paper examines the characteristics of youngsters in drug treatment who volunteer for AIDS testing in comparison to those who do not. HIV Antibodies testing was offered on a voluntary basis to a sample of 250 Puerto Rican youngsters enrolled in three ambulatory drug treatment centers in 1991. Sixty-six percent of the youngsters agreed to take the test. Male adolescents who volunteered reported fewer years of education and were more likely to have dropped-out of school. Consistent with research findings among adults, those adolescents at greater risk of HIV infection as measured by drug use and sexual behaviors were more likely to volunteer for on-site testing for HIV infection. Higher rates of alcohol use and marijuana use differentiated volunteers from those who did not. Among the sexual behaviors investigated, number of partners, engaging in less risk reduction practices, having a sexual partner who had used illicit drugs and using condoms to avoid STD's were found to be significantly higher in volunteers.     

Relapse in Alcohol- and Drug-Disordered Adolescents With Comorbid Psychopathology: Changes in Psychiatric Symptoms.

This study examined reciprocal relationships between posttreatment substance use and psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with both a substance use disorder and an Axis I mental health disorder. Participants (13-18 years old) were recruited from inpatient treatment centers and interviewed during treatment and monthly for 6 months. Participants who relapsed (N = 103; 48% female) reported the incidence and severity of psychiatric symptoms experienced before and after their 1st posttreatment substance use. The number of symptoms and depression symptoms experienced were related to use of stimulants and other drugs during relapse. There was evidence for both self-medication (symptom reduction) and rebound (symptom exacerbation) effects of substance use on symptom severity. These results demonstrate that, for adolescents with both substance use and mental health disorders, psychiatric symptoms are 1 factor influencing posttreatment substance use. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychosocial factors associated with the initiation of cocaine use among marijuana users.

A short-term prospective design was used to investigate factors associated with the initiation of cocaine use during a 1-year period among a population sample of 942 marijuana users. In addition to demographic items, variables pertaining to various psychosocial characteristics including psychiatric symptoms, personality attributes, social support, and peer pressure were examined. Using cocaine nonusers as a comparison group, male gender, risk-taking tendencies, and socializing with friends on streets or in cars were identified as significant predictors of initiation. Implications for primary prevention programs include redirecting early sensation-seeking tendencies in children and adolescents toward more positive behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Electrocardiographic effects of desipramine and 2-hydroxydesipramine in children, adolescents, and adults treated with desipramine

OBJECTIVE: To assess the developmental effects of desipramine (DMI) treatment on the electrocardiogram (ECG), we investigated serum concentrations of DMI ([DMI]), and its major active metabolite 2-hydroxydesipramine ([OHDMI]) and ECG parameters. METHODS: ECGs and [DMI] and [OHDMI] were analyzed from 50 children, 39 adolescents, and 30 adult psychiatric patients receiving DMI. RESULTS: There were modest overall correlations between [DMI], [OHDMI], or [OHDMI+DMI], and the PR and QRS intervals when data from all 119 subjects were pooled. Within the pediatric age groups there were no significant associations between serum drug levels and heart rate or conduction intervals; and in all subjects with ECG abnormalities, there were some findings of higher [DMI], [OHDMI], and [OHDMI+DMI]. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that only modest associations of [DMI] and [OHDMI] with ECG conduction intervals were found, and are not likely to be clinically significant in any of the age groups studied. Compared with adults, children and adolescents do not appear to be at increased risks for ECG changes related to DMI treatment or to circulating concentrations of [DMI] or [OHDMI].     

Correction to Huba, Wingard, and Bentler.

Reports an error in the article "Beginning Adolescent Drug Use and Peer and Adult Interaction Patterns" by G. J. Huba, Joseph A. Wingard, and P. M. Bentler (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1979, 47, 265-276). On page 269 all the coefficients in Table 3 should be positive (with the indicated numerical value). On page 270-271 the loading in Table 4 for the variable "are liked by parents" on Dimension II' should read .00 instead of -.60. Interpretation of the results does not change. (The following abstract of this article originally appeared in record 1979-28564-001). Interaction patterns among drug users, their peers, and significant adults have been implicated as causal factors of later drug abuse. Data were collected from 1,634 adolescents about their current use of 13 substances and about their interactions with peers and significant adults. Five canonical dimensions were necessary to explain the significant covariation in each of 2 comparable samples. The replicated pattern of rotated canonical loadings indicated that users of various classes of substances associated with other individuals who used the same substances. Other indicators of interaction patterns did not suggest that the drug users had friends who were particularly deviant. Adolescent drug users do not appear to form subcultures delineated from nonuser subcultures along interaction dimensions other than that of drug use. The results are consistent with an interactionist-socialization viewpoint of the development of drug use. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Gender differences in partner violence in a birth cohort of 21-year-olds: Bridging the gap between clinical and epidemiological approaches.

This study describes partner violence in a representative sample of young adults. Physical violence perpetration was reported by 37.2% of women and 21.8% of men. Correlates of involvement in severe physical violence differed by gender. Severe physical violence was more strongly associated with unemployment, low educational attainment, few social support resources, polydrug use, antisocial personality disorder symptoms, depression symptoms, and violence toward strangers for men than for women. Women who were victims of severe physical violence were more likely than men who were victims to experience symptoms of anxiety. The findings converge with community studies showing that more women than men are physically violent toward a partner and with clinical studies highlighting violence perpetrated against women by men with deviant characteristics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)