Mental disorders and substance abuse disorder among adolescents

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are mental disorders reported among adults, children and adolescents. In the recent years, however, there have been reports of an increase in numbers of these disorders among children (OAS, 2008, learning resources).

Before I discuss one of these disorders in connection with substance abuse, I would like to add that diagnosis of each of these disorders among children maybe especially hard. This is due to the similarity of symptoms and misdiagnosis is a possibility which can be harmful. Webb (2005) reports that many children are being ‘misdiagnosed’ for ADHD, Bipolar, Asperger’s disease when they are actually very creative and ‘gifted’ children. Their study examines that many times diagnosis are made without understanding the background or other indirectly related factors that maybe causing behavior that’s not normal. Webb (2005) gives an appealing approach that most of the time these children are labeled as having a possible mental disorder if they show behavior that maybe unacceptable to their environment. If the environment was removed from the equation then the same children may be dealt with, educated and viewed as normal kids.

I find this view point quiet intriguing, especially since diagnosis of disorders like ADHD, ADD and other mental disorders in children has always been in question. Prescription of medication and their side effects is another heart breaking aspect. Sometimes, the children need the meds and function better with medication, but misdiagnosis is not rare as well.

Bipolar disorder is defined as ‘a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania’ by the American Psychological Association (APA). It is a serious mental illness in which ‘common emotions’ become intense and can be unpredictable. A person suffering from bipolar can go from being extremely happy to being in a state of melancholy, sadness that can last up to weeks. Diagnosis of Bipolar in children takes careful understanding and observation of symptoms. According to APA Bipolar in children and adolescents is controversial and the stakes are high.

Substance abuse among adolescents is often associated with mental disorders. Wilens et al (1999) conducted a study on the connection between Bipolar disorder (BPD) and risk for substance abuse disorder (SUD). They conclude that adolescent BPD gives a higher risk to developing SUD compared to BPD onset in childhood. They highlight that an awareness of risks and effects of SUD among the adolescents maybe an effective way of preventing SUD.  

Some experiences and situation maybe triggers for developing SUD among adolescents who suffer from BPD. According to Afifi et al (2009) there is a close relation between parental divorce and lifetime mental disorders, substance abuse. Their study reports that children who suffer from child abuse or parental divorce are at a higher risk of developing mental illnesses and with same experiences as adolescents they are at higher risk for SUD. An emotionally stressful situation may trigger the possibility of adolescents to develop SUD. Examples of emotionally stressful instances are parental divorce or financial crisis, peer pressures, bullying, loss of a close friend (moving or misunderstanding) or break up from boy/girl friend. Academic pressure could also be a trigger for adolescents with BPD to develop SUD.

Research shows that loneliness from lack of strong familial relationships or absence of close friends can trigger symptoms of BPD and increase the risks of SUD (Rokach, 2002). To help adolescents reduce the risk of SUD development, family bonds can be created with cousins, grandparents and neighbors. This can be vitally helpful in case of single parents or families with one child. Friendships and health relationships with adults other than parents neutralizes loneliness and provides mental, emotional gymnastics that can benefit in many ways.

References

Afifi, T. O., Boman, J., Fleisher, W., & Sareen, J. (2009). The relationship between child abuse, parental divorce, and lifetime mental disorders and suicidality in a nationally representative adult sample. Child abuse & neglect,33(3), 139-147.

Rokach, A. (2002). Determinants of loneliness of young adult drug users. The Journal of psychology, 136(6), 613-630.

 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. (2008). The NSDUH report: Major depressive episode among youths aged 12 to 17 in the United States: 2004 to 2006. Rockville, MD: Author. Retrieved fromhttp://oas.samhsa.gov/2k8/youthDepress/youthDepress.cfm 

Webb, J. T. (Ed.). (2005). Misdiagnosis and dual diagnoses of gifted children and adults: ADHD, bipolar, OCD, Asperger's, depression, and other disorders. Great Potential Press, Inc.

Wilens, T. E., Biederman, J., Millstein, R. B., Wozniak, J., Hahesy, A. L., & Spencer, T. J. (1999). Risk for Substance Use Disorders in Youths With Child-and Adolescent‐Onset Bipolar Disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 38(6), 680-685.