https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4591-7624
![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
Objective
This study examined the comorbidities of major depressive episodes (MDEs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) in adolescents, focusing on racial and gender disparities. It also examined treatment service accessibility and barriers during the post-pandemic period.
Methods
Data from the 2021 National Study on Drug Use and Health in the United States were used. Finding comorbid SUDs and MDEs in teenagers was the main focus of this investigation, which also examined variations between racial and gender groups. Chi-square tests were used to statistically evaluate differences and trends.
Results
The study found significant differences by race and gender in MDE diagnoses, as well as simultaneous SUD and MDE diagnoses. MDE diagnoses were more common in girls than in boys. Black adolescents showed a significantly lower tendency to have comorbid SUDs and MDEs; however, Native Americans were at a higher risk of being diagnosed with MDEs.
Conclusions
These findings emphasize the significance of cultural and environmental elements in understanding and managing teenage mental health concerns. This study emphasizes the significance of focused interventions and policies in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This requires a more advanced approach to the prevention and treatment of adolescent mental health and substance-use issues.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the National Study on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for making this data publicly available.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Supplemental data
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2024.2374800