The effect of cannabis in bipolar disorder
Research suggests that cannabis use has a negative effect on onset and outcome of schizophrenia.
Now, researchers at Eli Lilly Nederland at Houten, The Netherlands report, “cannabis users experienced less satisfaction with life and had a lower probability of having a relationship compared with nonusers.”
First, the details.
- 3,459 patients with bipolar disorder were enrolled in an observational study.
- The influence of cannabis exposure on clinical and social treatment outcome was examined over 1 year.
- The researchers also evaluated other possible reasons to explain their findings.
And, the results.
- Cannabis users were less compliant with treatment vs nonusers.
- They had higher levels of overall illness severity, mania, and psychosis vs nonusers.
- Cannabis users were less satisfied with life and had a lower probability of having a relationship vs nonusers.
- There was little evidence that these findings were caused by other factors.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “An independent impact of cannabis use on psychopathologic outcomes in patients with bipolar disorder was apparent.”
I’m waiting to see just 1 well-designed study that shows cannabis to have significant benefit over existing therapy for anything in order to justify the use of this highly addictive drug.
1/25/09 20:10 JR
shoi said:
on January 28, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Dear John
Where is the convincing evidence to say cannabis is “highly addictive”. Somewhat addictive maybe, but highly addictive (which to me means in the same order as tobacco, alcohol, opiates) has not been demonstrated has it?
Steve
JR said:
on January 30, 2009 at 7:30 pm
My error. Thanks for reading and writing to set the record straight.
JR