New research suggests that people who abuse multiple inhalants are more likely to suffer head injuries, traumatic experiences and mental illness diagnoses.

Researchers at Georgia State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that severe polyinhalant users had more than double the rate of head injuries, the highest rates of traumatic experiences and the highest rates of mental illness diagnoses among study participants. Delinquent behavior was also higher in severe polyinhalant users and began younger than in other inhalant users.

Inhalants are substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive or mind-altering effect, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Inhalant users "sniff," "huff" or "snort" fumes from containers, paper or plastic bags, soaked rags or directly from aerosol cans.

"Our goal is to understand the simultaneous use of specific inhalants, which could lead to prevention and intervention strategies," Susan M. Snyder, assistant professor in the School of Social Work in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State, said in a statement "This study demonstrates the need to address the high rate of head injuries and mental health diagnoses that contribute to polyinhalant use. Based on our findings, we believe that policymakers and clinicians should target antisocial youth for prevention and treatment."

For the study, researchers collected and analyzed data from more than 700 incarcerated youth that lived in 27 different Missouri Division of Youth Services facilities. Interviewers assessed their demographic factors, medical history, psychiatric symptoms, antisocial traits, delinquency, trauma, suicidal thoughts and substance use behaviors. Participants were given a 45-minute screening inventory that asked questions about their lifetime and annual use of 65 inhalants, including whether they had ever huffed inhalant through their nose or mouth in an effort to get high. The researchers completed analysis for 14 inhalants, including model glue, nail polish remover, permanent markers and common substances.

This study is the first effort to explore patterns of polyinhalant use among incarcerated youth. Until now, it has been unclear which individual characteristics -- such as demographics, personality traits, health conditions, mental health conditions or substance use behavior -- are associated with the most severe polyinhalant use.

The findings are detailed in the journal PLOS One.