NCJ Number
243259
Journal
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: July - August 2013 Pages: 254-267
Date Published
July 2013
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This research examines the prevalence rate of smoking among adolescent psychiatric outpatients; estimates smokers' degree of nicotine dependence; and investigates the relationship between smoking and common mental health disorders.
Abstract
Three main aims of this study were to ascertain the prevalence rate of smoking among adolescent psychiatric outpatients; estimate smokers' degree of nicotine dependence; and investigate the relationship between smoking and common mental health disorders. Face-to-face interviews were conducted on 93 patients ages 13-18 presenting to an adolescent outpatient mental health service. At the time of the interview, 37.6 percent were smokers according to the study definition, with 25.8 percent scoring high or very high on the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. Smoking was more likely if patients had conduct disorder or cannabis/alcohol dependence or abuse, but no difference was detected between smokers and nonsmokers in relation to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Only 15.1 percent of patients were given a chart diagnosis of nicotine dependence. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.