Source
Christchurch Health & Development Study, Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences, P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand. david.fergisson@chmeds.ac.nz
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
This paper examines the linkages between conduct problems and attentional problems in middle childhood and adolescence and later substance use, abuse and dependence in young adulthood.
METHODS:
Data were gathered over the course of a 25-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1265 New Zealand born children. These data included: (a) measures of conduct and attentional problems in middle childhood (7-9 years) and adolescence (14-16 years); (b) measures of substance use, abuse and dependence from 18-25 years; and (c) confounding social, family and related factors.
RESULTS:
Statistical modelling produced a consistent set of results showing: (i) conduct problems in childhood and adolescence were generally related to later substance use, abuse and dependence even after control for attentional problems and confounders; (ii) attentional problems were largely unrelated to later substance use, abuse and dependence after control for conduct problems and confounders.
CONCLUSIONS:
Conduct problems in both middle childhood and adolescence are related to increased risks of longer-term substance use, abuse and dependence. Any association between early attentional problems and later substance use abuse and dependence is largely mediated via the association between conduct and attentional problems.