Cannabis Use Increases Risk of Psychosis

The onset of psychotic diseases like schizophrenia is hastened in cannabis users.

The onset of psychotic diseases like schizophrenia is hastened in cannabis users, says a study done at University of New South Wales. Cannabis is most widely used in Australia with more than 30% people having used it at some point or the other.

About 20,000 patients with psychotic illness were studied and it was found that users of cannabis experienced psychosis 2.5 years earlier than non-cannabis users. The study also claimed that reduction or stopping the use of cannabis could delay the onset or prevent cases of psychosis. This risk is particularly higher among young people whose brains are still developing. The frequency of smoking also increases the risk.

Cannabis
Cannabis has a long history of medicinal, recreational, and industrial use and comes from a bushy plant with thick sticky flowers called Cannabis Sativa

Chief investigator of the study Dr. Matthew Large, said, "What our research has found is that in addition to early cannabis smoking bringing on schizophrenia, it brings schizophrenia on [earlier] by an average of 2.7 years." However scientists have not been able to explain the relationship between cannabis usage and mental illness. Whether cannabis causes schizophrenia or just brings it out among vulnerable people is still unclear. However the study shows clearly that cannabis plays a significant role in psychosis.

Source-Medindia

Psychotic Symptoms More Likely In Those Who Start Early On Cannabis
Young adults who use cannabis from an early age are three times more likely to suffer from psychotic symptoms.

About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by symptoms of thought, behavior and social problems.

Antipsychotics Linked To Subtle Brain Volume Loss In Schizophrenic Patients
A new study has found that intake of antipsychotic medications by schizophrenic patients make them to lose a small but measurable amount of brain tissue over time.