Characteristics of Adolescent Psychiatric Patients Who Engage in Problematic Behavior While Intoxicated

JAMES R. MCKAY, RONALD T. MURPHY, STEPHEN A. MAISTO, TIMOTHY R. RIVINUS

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although many adolescent psychiatric patients drink and use drugs, not all engage in problematic behaviors or experience social difficulties while intoxicated. The goal of this study was to identify characteristics of adolescent psychiatric patients for whom intoxication leads to behavioral, social, and medical problems. Alcoholinvolved adolescent psychiatric inpatients were divided into high and low problem severity groups and compared on a number of measures. The groups did not differ in alcohol or drug consumption or psychiatric diagnoses. High problem severity was primarily associated with drinking in response to unpleasant affect and the belief that alcohol enhances social behavior. Explanations for the results are discussed, along with clinical implications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1031-1035
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume31
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • adolescent substance abuse
  • alcohol beliefs
  • comorbidity
  • reasons for drinking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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