Gender Differences in Dependence Symptoms and Psychiatric Severity in Adolescents With Substance use Disorders

One hundred adolescent patients (42% female) seeking treatment for a substance use disorder were compared by gender on several substance use & psychiatric variables. Assessment was done using the Comprehensive Addiction Severity Index & other standardized assessment instruments. Among other findings, results showed that suicidality was more common in females, but groups did not differ on the prevalence of depression diagnoses or on previous psychiatric treatment history. Findings are discussed. (38 refs)