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Updated: May 21, 2026
07:30
Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Anandamide dysfunction in prodromal and established psychosis.
1Dept. of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5,68159 Mannheim, Germany. leweke@cimh.de
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|June 22, 2012
Summary
Frequent cannabis use is linked to psychosis risk. This review examines the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system (eCB system), specifically anandamide, in schizophrenia pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epidemiological studies link cannabis use, especially during puberty, to increased psychosis risk.
- The endogenous cannabinoid system (eCB system), targeted by cannabinoids, is increasingly studied in psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia.
- A two-decade-old hypothesis suggests the eCB system's dysfunction contributes to schizophrenia's pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of anandamide, an endogenous ligand for cannabinoid CB1-receptors, in schizophrenia.
- To explore the potential involvement of the eCB system in the development or progression of schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies investigating anandamide levels.
- Analysis of anandamide concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of schizophrenia patients and control groups.
Main Results:
- Studies have investigated anandamide levels in patients with schizophrenia.
- Findings regarding anandamide levels in schizophrenia patients compared to controls are presented in this review.
Conclusions:
- The endogenous cannabinoid system, including anandamide, is a potential factor in schizophrenia.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the role of anandamide in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
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