Bipolar teens at greater risk of substance abuse

A new study in Boston confirms what has been suspected for years. Doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital studied youngsters from 14 years old to adulthood. More than one-third of those with bipolar disorders also became substance abusers.

But teens diagnosed in childhood were far less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs. Doctors say that early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of bipolar disorder could significantly cut the risk of substance abuse in teens.

You can learn more about the study in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.