Adolescent Psychopathology: III. The Clinical Consequences of Comorbidity

In this study of 1,507 adolescents, subjects with a “pure” & comorbid forms of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, & disruptive behaviour disorders were compared on 6 clinical outcome measures. The impact of comorbidity was strongest for academic problems, mental health utilization, & past suicide attempts; intermediate on measures of role functioning & conflict with parents; & nonsignificant on physical symptoms. Greatest incremental impact of comorbidity was on anxiety disorders. (35 Refs.)