From the Anxiety Disorders Association of America Annual (ADAA) Conference: 3.5.10, Baltimore, MD poster session

There has long been a suspected correlation between diagnosis of childhood anxiety disorders and increased risk for alcohol/drug use later in life.  Several studies have found an increased risk while several studies have seen a “protective factor” brought on by the anxiety disorder.  In “Do Childhood Anxiety Disorders Predict Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Use in a Longitudinal Sample of High Risk Offspring” the authors explored whether the specific type of anxiety disorder impacted the likelihood of future substance abuse.  Additionally, the authors questioned the inconsistent age of onset criteria: there has been significant variability within the studies.

The authors analyzed the previous data by breaking into specific diagnostic categories and specifying ages of 6.10, and 14 as initial onset and follow up points.  They found that Childhood Panic Disorder was the most significant predictor of adolescent substance abuse. OCD had the highest predictor rate for alcohol abuse, and SAD was second to Panic Disorder for risk of both drug and alcohol abuse.  The authors write that more research is needed.

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