Depressive Symptoms and Suicidality in adolescents Using e-Cigarettes and Marijuana: a Secondary Data analysis From the Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining the associations between e-cigarette and marijuana use and depressive symptoms and suicidality in a large sample of high school students. The study uses data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) from 2015 and 2017.

Key Points:

* The study found that e-cigarette-only use, marijuana-only use, and dual e-cigarette and marijuana use were associated with higher odds of reporting depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in adolescents.
* The associations were consistent across the two data waves of 2015 and 2017.
* The study controlled for demographic factors, use of other substances, and other relevant confounders.
* The study notes that the sale of e-cigarettes to minors is prohibited in most american states, but research has shown that adolescents can easily access e-cigarette products.
* The study highlights the need for effective screening, prevention, and intervention strategies as well as a critical review of policies governing access to these substances to help mitigate adverse mental health outcomes in this population.
* The study had limitations, including the lack of socio-economic data, measures of criterion validity of depressed mood or information on pre-existing mental health conditions, and the use of self-reported data.
* The study was cross-sectional and did not allow for making inferences on causality or temporal ordering of substance use and mental health symptoms.

Main Message:
The study highlights the significant association between e-cigarette and marijuana use and poor mental health outcomes in adolescents. The study emphasizes the need for effective screening, prevention, and intervention strategies as well as a critical review of policies governing access to these substances to help mitigate adverse mental health outcomes in this population. The study's findings underscore the importance of addressing the mental health impacts of substance use in adolescents, particularly as the availability and use of e-cigarettes and marijuana continue to rise.

Chadi N, Li G, Cerda N, Weitzman ER. Depressive Symptoms and Suicidality in adolescents Using e-Cigarettes and Marijuana: a Secondary Data analysis From the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Journal of addiction medicine. 2019;13(5):362-365. doi:10.1097/aDM.0000000000000506