-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Numerous studies have shown that patients with psychosis are more likely to use illicit drugs than the general population, with cannabis being the most popular. There exists overwhelming evidence that cannabis use can contribute to the onset of schizophrenia and poor outcome in patients with established psychosis. Therefore, understanding why patients use cannabis and whether they are motivated to change their habits is important. The evidence is that patients with psychosis use cannabis for the same reasons the general population does, to 'get high', relax and have fun. There is little support for the 'self-medication' hypothesis, while the literature points more towards an 'alleviation of dysphoria' model. There is a lack of research reporting on whether psychotic patients are ready to change their use of cannabis, which has obvious implications for identifying which treatment strategies are likely to be effective.
International journal of developmental neuroscience: the official journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience 05/2011; 29(3):335-46. · 2.03 Impact Factor
-
Charlotte P Malcolm,
Marco M Picchioni,
Marta DiForti,
Gisela Sugranyes,
Elizabeth Cooke, Candice Joseph,
Grant McQueen,
Alessandra Paparelli,
Simona Stilo,
Jennifer O'Connor,
Craig Morgan,
Robin M Murray,
Sheilagh Hodgins
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:
Early cannabis use has consistently been associated with an increased risk for the later development of psychosis. Studies suggest that Conduct Disorder (CD) is more common amongst young people who later go on to develop psychosis. CD has been associated with greater and earlier cannabis use in general population samples. Based on this evidence, we hypothesised that among patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis, the presence of CD symptoms prior to age 15 would be associated with cannabis use.
METHOD:
102 patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis were interviewed to assess CD symptoms prior to age 15 and use of cannabis and other substances.
RESULTS:
The number of CD symptoms was significantly associated with lifetime cannabis use (odds ratio=5.41 (1.76-16.57), p=0.03) and with first use of cannabis before age 14 (odds ratio=1.46 (1.12-1.92), p=0.006), after controlling for stimulant/hallucinogen use and level of education.
CONCLUSIONS:
Among patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis, CD symptoms were significantly associated with use of cannabis and with use by age 14. Among individuals vulnerable for psychosis, CD symptoms may independently increase the likelihood of cannabis use which in turn increases the risk of psychosis.
Schizophrenia Research 03/2011; 126(1-3-1-3):81-86. · 4.75 Impact Factor
-
Charlotte P Malcolm,
Marco M Picchioni,
Marta DiForti,
Gisela Sugranyes,
Elizabeth Cooke, Candice Joseph,
Grant McQueen,
Alessandra Paparelli,
Simona Stilo,
Jennifer O'Connor,
Craig Morgan,
Robin M Murray,
Sheilagh Hodgins
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Early cannabis use has consistently been associated with an increased risk for the later development of psychosis. Studies suggest that Conduct Disorder (CD) is more common amongst young people who later go on to develop psychosis. CD has been associated with greater and earlier cannabis use in general population samples. Based on this evidence, we hypothesised that among patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis, the presence of CD symptoms prior to age 15 would be associated with cannabis use.
102 patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis were interviewed to assess CD symptoms prior to age 15 and use of cannabis and other substances.
The number of CD symptoms was significantly associated with lifetime cannabis use (odds ratio=5.41 (1.76-16.57), p=0.03) and with first use of cannabis before age 14 (odds ratio=1.46 (1.12-1.92), p=0.006), after controlling for stimulant/hallucinogen use and level of education.
Among patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis, CD symptoms were significantly associated with use of cannabis and with use by age 14. Among individuals vulnerable for psychosis, CD symptoms may independently increase the likelihood of cannabis use which in turn increases the risk of psychosis.
Biological Psychiatry 12/2010; 126(1-3):81-6. · 8.28 Impact Factor
