Trends and Disparities in Treatment for Co-occurring Major Depression and Substance Use Disorders Among US Adolescents From 2011 to 2019

Source:

Lu W, Muñoz-Laboy M, Sohler N, Goodwin RD. Trends and Disparities in Treatment for Co-occurring Major Depression and Substance Use Disorders Among US Adolescents From 2011 to 2019. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(10):e2130280. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.30280

Key Points

Question  What was the prevalence of treatment use for co-occurring major depression and substance use disorders among adolescents in the US from 2011 to 2019, and were there any disparities?

Findings  This survey study including 136 262 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years found persistent treatment gaps for co-occurring major depression and substance use disorders. Unmet treatment needs were significantly higher among Hispanic and Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander adolescents and uninsured adolescents.

Meaning  The findings of this study suggest that continued efforts to improve service provision and coordination for adolescents with co-occurring depression and SUD are needed.