Longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and alcohol problems: The influence of comorbid delinquent behavior

Abstract Objective Although numerous studies have demonstrated a positive association between depressive symptoms and alcohol problems and related disorders, it remains unclear whether this link can be explained by the joint co-occurrence of these disorders with delinquent behavior. This study examined the longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and alcohol problems from early adolescence through early adulthood, while accounting for delinquent behavior and the potential interaction effects between delinquent behavior and each of these problems. Method The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health sample of 20,728 adolescents, followed for 6 years, was used. Males and females were examined separately. Multilevel modeling was used to predict both initial levels and rate of change in alcohol problems based on levels of depressive symptoms and delinquent behavior (and their interaction), and initial level and rate of change in depressive symptoms based on alcohol problems and delinquent behavior (and their interaction). Results Once delinquent behavior was included in the model, the reciprocal positive associations between alcohol problems and depressive symptoms tended to remain significant. Some interactive effects between delinquent behavior and these problems were found, mainly in females. Conclusions: The reciprocal positive associations between alcohol problems and depressive symptoms over time are not fully due to their joint co-occurrence with delinquent behavior, though delinquent behavior does moderate these links in some cases.