Citation

Rey JM, Sawyer MG, Raphael B, Patton GC, Lynskey M. Br. J. Psychiatry 2002; 180: 216-221.

Affiliation

University of Sydney, Coral Tree Family Service, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia. jrey@mail.usyd.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11872513

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is concern in the community about increasing cannabis use and its potential effect on health. AIMS: To ascertain the prevalence of cannabis use among Australian adolescents, associations with mental health problems, risk behaviours and service use. METHOD: Examination of data from a national representative sample of households comprising 1261 adolescents aged 13-17 years. Parents completed a psychiatric interview and questionnaires while adolescents completed questionnaires. RESULTS: One-quarter of the adolescents in the sample had used cannabis. There were no gender differences. Use increased rapidly with age, was more common in adolescents living with a sole parent and was associated with increased depression, conduct problems and health risk behaviours (smoking, drinking) but not with higher use of services. CONCLUSIONS: Cannabis use is very prevalent. The association with depression, conduct problems, excessive drinking and use of other drugs shows a malignant pattern of comorbidity that may lead to negative outcomes.

Language: en