2023-05-06 14:45:00
In France, nearly 600,000 people are affected by schizophrenia, according to Inserm. This psychiatric pathology is characterized by a disturbed perception of reality, productive manifestations (delusions, hallucinations, etc.) as well as passive manifestations (social and relational isolation, etc.).
Cannabis might be a factor favoring the onset of schizophrenia
Besides the genetic origin, different environmental factors can favor the development of schizophrenia. This is particularly the case with the consumption of cannabis. According to a Danish study published in the journal Psychological Medicineyoung men with cannabis use disorders are more at risk of developing schizophrenia.
In this research, scientists from the Mental Health Services of Denmark and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) analyzed the medical records of 6 million Danes aged 16 to 49 between 1972 and 2021. The aim was to estimate the proportion of schizophrenia cases that may be related to a cannabis use disorder in the general population.
Cannabis and schizophrenia: a very strong association in young men
Researchers have observed an association between cannabis use-induced disorders and schizophrenia in both men and women. However, this link was much stronger among young men. According to their results, almost 30% of schizophrenia cases in men aged 21 to 30 might have been prevented if cannabis use had been reduced or stopped. In the eyes of the authors of the study, disorders related to cannabis consumption seem to be a factor favoring the development of schizophrenia.
“The intertwining of substance use disorders and mental illnesses is a major public health problem, which requires urgent action and support for those who need it (…) The results of this study are a step in this direction and can help inform the decisions healthcare providers can make to care for patients, as well as the decisions individuals can make regarding their own cannabis use.”noted Nora Volkow, co-author of the study and director of NIDA.
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