Brief Intervention in Substance Use in Adolescent Psychiatric Patients

Brief Intervention in Substance Use Among Adolescent Psychiatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy in decreasing the likelihood of substance use of a brief motivational enhancement intervention in adolescents referred to psychiatric treatment.

237 adolescents consecutively admitted to a psychiatry department completed an evaluation of their substance use. Subjects identified as users were randomly allocated to one of two groups: an experimental group that received a brief intervention aimed at increasing their awareness of the risks of substance use, or a control group. All subjects received standard treatment according to the primary diagnosis. Structured questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitudes, perception of risks and intention of use of psychoactive substances were administered upon admission and 1 month later.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects aged 12-17
• consecutively referred for psychiatric or psychological assessment and treatment to a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not willing to take part.
• Mentally retarded
• Non completion of a substantial part of the assessment protocol.
• Presenting severe acute psychopathological disturbances that interfere with the assessment.