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Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
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Cannabis consumption and psychosis or schizophrenia development
María Bettina Ortiz-Medina1,2, Marta Perea3,4, Julio Torales2,5
11 Area of Research, Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University Asuncion, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
|November 17, 2018
Summary
Cannabis use doubles the risk of psychosis in vulnerable individuals. Factors like dose and age of first use influence this risk, with gene-environment interactions playing a role.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Cannabis consumption is linked to psychopathology, including psychotic episodes.
- The precise relationship between cannabis use and psychosis risk remains unclear.
- This study focuses on individuals without a prior diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on cannabis use and psychosis risk in non-schizophrenic individuals.
- To evaluate the evidence supporting cannabis use as a risk factor for psychosis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of human studies published until May 2018.
- Keywords: 'cannabis', 'psychosis'. Database: PubMed.
- Analysis of 66 papers, including 23 cohort studies and 43 reviews.
Main Results:
- Cannabis use was found to double the risk of psychosis development in vulnerable populations.
- Dose-response and age of first use relationships were identified.
- Gene-environment interactions modulate the cannabis-psychosis association.
Conclusions:
- Cannabis use is a significant risk factor for psychosis, particularly in predisposed individuals.
- The risk is influenced by usage patterns and genetic factors.
- Further research into gene-environment interactions is warranted.
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