Does cannabis cause psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia?
Use of cannabis can cause a condition called drug-induced psychosis. This usually passes after a few days. However, if someone has a predisposition to a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia, these drugs may precipitate the first episode in what can be an ongoing condition. There is increasing evidence that regular cannabis use precedes and causes higher rates of psychotic illness. How does cannabis affect someone who has a psychotic illness? Cannabis generally makes psychotic symptoms worse and lowers the chances of recovery from a psychotic episode. People with a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia who use such drugs experience more hallucinations, delusions and other symptoms; they have a higher rate of hospitalisation for psychosis; treatment is generally less effective; and recovery is more difficult. So should people with a psychotic illness avoid drugs such as cannabis? Yes. The consequences can be so serious for the person’s health that it is best to avoid drugs such as c
Use of cannabis can cause a condition called drug-induced psychosis. This usually passes after a few days. However, if someone has a predisposition to a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia, these drugs may precipitate the first episode in what can be an ongoing condition. There is increasing evidence that regular cannabis use precedes and causes higher rates of psychotic illness. How does cannabis affect someone who has a psychotic illness? Cannabis generally makes psychotic symptoms worse and lowers the chances of recovery from a psychotic episode. People with a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia who use such drugs experience more hallucinations, delusions and other symptoms; they have a higher rate of hospitalisation for psychosis; treatment is generally less effective; and recovery is more difficult. So should people with a psychotic illness avoid drugs such as cannabis? Yes. The consequences can be so serious for the person’s health that it is best to avoid drugs such as c
