Cannabis and psychosis in adolescence
In the largest unselected, population-based study on this topic to date, researchers from Finland observed “Cannabis use is associated with prodromal symptoms of psychosis in adolescence.”
First, the details.
- In 6330 adolescents, marijuana use and prodromal symptoms of psychosis were recorded at age 15–16 years.
- Examples of prodromal symptoms
- Feeling like something strange or inexplicable was taking place
- Suspecting they were being influenced or followed
- Difficulty in controlling the speed of thoughts
And, the results.
- Those who tried cannabis (about 6% of the total) were more likely to show 3 or more prodromal symptoms even after controlling for confounders including previous behavioral symptoms.
- More smoking was associated with more symptoms.
The bottom line?
Teenage cannabis users are more likely to suffer psychotic symptoms that raise the risk of full-blown mental illness in later life.
6/9/08 21:28 JR