Voice-DISC identified DSM-IV disorders among 15-year-olds in the west of Scotland.

OBJECTIVE

To report prevalence estimates of psychiatric disorder among Scottish adolescents using a self-administered computerized (Voice) version of the DISC.

METHOD

A total of 1,860 15-year-olds (67%), participating in a school-based survey of health and lifestyles, completed selected modules of the Voice-DISC, producing DSM-IV diagnoses of (specific) anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depressive/dysthymic disorder, behavior disorders, and substance abuse/dependence.

RESULTS

Overall prevalence of any psychiatric diagnosis, including substance abuse/dependence, was 31%, reducing to 15% with strict impairment criteria. Anxiety disorders were more common in females, behavior disorders (except attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) in males. Comorbidity within major diagnostic categories was considerable; that between categories was lower, although high comorbidity between conduct disorder and substance abuse/dependence was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence estimates are similar to those reported in other studies, although methodological problems limit comparisons. Of particular interest are the similar or higher rates of behavior disorders, especially conduct disorders, to those in studies involving multiple informants.