Reasons for using substances in adolescents with and without psychosis

Aim: To increase our understanding of substance use among adolescents with psychosis by comparing their reasons for use with those of typically developing adolescents. Methods: Participants were 35 outpatient adolescents, recently admitted for a first episode of psychosis to an early psychosis programme, and 35 typically developing adolescents. Measures used included the Personal Experience Screening Questionnaire and Reasons for Use Scale. Results: Adolescents with psychosis used significantly more substances than adolescents without psychosis ( P < 0.01). Reasons for use in the two groups were similar. Conclusions: Although adolescents with psychosis report using substances for the same reasons as other adolescents, they may also use to self-medicate secondary morbidity associated with psychosis. These results have a number of implications for prevention and treatment.