Brain circuitry associated with the development of substance use in bipolar disorder and preliminary evidence for sexual dimorphism in adolescents

ABSTRACT Substance use disorders and mood disorders are highly comorbid and confer a high risk for adverse outcomes. However, data are limited on the neurodevelopmental basis of this comorbidity. Substance use initiation typically occurs during adolescence, and sex‐specific developmental mechanisms are implicated. In this preliminary study, we review the literature and investigate regional gray matter volume (GMV) associated with subsequent substance use problems in adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) and explore these associations for females and males. Thirty adolescents with DSM‐IV–diagnosed BD and minimal alcohol/substance exposure completed baseline structural magnetic resonance imaging scans. At follow‐up (on average 6 years post baseline), subjects were administered the CRAFFT interview and categorized into those scoring at high ( ≥ 2: CRAFFTHIGH) vs. low (