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Severity of Victimization and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders Among Substance Using Adolescents

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Abstract

Background

Co-occurring mental health disorders are widespread among substance using adolescents. Severity of victimization may be an important factor in explaining co-occurrence of mental health problems among adolescents with substance misuse problems.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether severe victimization experiences were shared risk factors for internalizing only, externalizing only, and co-occurring internalizing and externalizing disorders among victimized substance-using adolescents.

Method

Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from a multisite research project. Adolescents, ages 11–18, participated in a comprehensive screening program for substance abuse at 106 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)-funded grantee sites throughout the United States.

Results

Longer duration/frequent victimization, more than one type of victimization, and recent victimization were related to co-occurring internalizing and externalizing disorders. Victimization by a trusted person, however, was only related to internalizing disorders.

Conclusion

The findings show that some indicators of severe victimization experiences are shared risk factors for internalizing, for externalizing, and for co-occurring internalizing and externalizing problems, thus providing support for the common factors model of co-morbidity. These findings suggest that practitioners in substance abuse treatment must thoroughly assess for severe victimization experiences among adolescents presenting with co-occurring mental health issues. Treatment planning and interventions may focus on helping adolescents cope effectively with their victimization experiences and addressing their MH needs.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by funding from the CSAT/SAMHSA, under contract #277-00-6504 or #277-00-6500, using data provided by the following grantees: (TI14090, TI14103, TI14188, TI14189, TI14196, 67TI14214, TI14252, TI14254, TI14261, TI14267, TI15415, TI14271, TI14272, TI14283, TI14311, TI14315, TI14355, T1I4376, TI15348, TI15413, TI15415, TI15421, TI15447, TI15461, TI15466, TI15467, TI15475, TI15479, TI15481, TI15485, TI15486, TI15489, TI15511, TI15514, TI15524, TI15527, TI15545, TI15562, TI15577, TI15584, TI15586, TI15670, TI15671, TI15672, TI15674, TI15677, TI15678, TI15682, TI15686, TI16915, TI16928, TI16961, TI16984, TI16992, TI17055, TI17070, TI13601, TI16400, TI16414, TI17433, TI17434, TI17446, TI17475, TI17476, TI17484, TI174604, TI17769, TI17779, TI17788, TI17825, TI13308, TI13309, TI13313, TI13322, TI13323, TI13340, TI13344, TI13345, TI13354, TI13356, TI13305). Any opinions about this data are those of the author and do not represent official positions of the government or individual grantees.

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Sabri, B. Severity of Victimization and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders Among Substance Using Adolescents. Child Youth Care Forum 41, 37–55 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-011-9151-9

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