Monday, March 21, 2005
Shrink Rap # 12--Marijuana and Mental Health Don't Mix
Many people believe that smoking marijuana is relatively benign health-wise, especially when compared to the long-term health problems associated with excessive alcohol use and other so-called recreational drugs. But a recent study in New Zealand suggests that smoking cannabis virtually doubles the risk of developing mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. New Zealand scientists said their study suggested this was probably due to chemical changes in the brain which resulted from smoking the drug.
The study, published in the British journal Addiction, followed over 1,000 people born in 1977 for 25 years. The researchers interviewed people taking part in the Christchurch Health and Development Study about their cannabis use at the ages of 18, 21 and 25. They were also interviewed about various aspects of their mental health. The scientists found psychotic symptoms were more common among cannabis users. They analyzed their findings to take into account the possibility illness encouraged people to use more cannabis, rather than the drug contributing to their condition.
The researchers said the link was not likely to be due to people with mental illness having a greater wish to smoke cannabis. Instead, they suggested that cannabis may increase the chances of a person suffering psychosis by causing chemical changes to the brain. They also took into account factors such as family history, current mental disorders, and illicit substance abuse.
The scientists, led by Dr. David Fergusson, said it was likely cannabis use increased the chances of a person suffering psychosis by causing chemical changes to the brain. Writing in Addiction, he added: "Even when all factors were taken into account, there was a clear increase in rates of psychotic symptoms after the start of regular use.
"These findings add to the growing body of evidence from different sources, all of which suggest that heavy use of cannabis may lead to increased risk of psychotic symptoms and disease in susceptible individuals."
It is important to mention that cannabis may have medicinal benefits for patients undergoing chemotherapy, where it is thought to alleviate nausea and stimulate appetite. It may also be beneficial to those suffering from glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. This issue is very controversial however, and use of marijuana for these specific purposes remains illegal, except in certain controlled studies.
While more study is needed to confirm the New Zealand study findings, the message is clear: Don’t take foolish chances with your mental health. Forget recreational drugs, and don’t smoke pot.
The study, published in the British journal Addiction, followed over 1,000 people born in 1977 for 25 years. The researchers interviewed people taking part in the Christchurch Health and Development Study about their cannabis use at the ages of 18, 21 and 25. They were also interviewed about various aspects of their mental health. The scientists found psychotic symptoms were more common among cannabis users. They analyzed their findings to take into account the possibility illness encouraged people to use more cannabis, rather than the drug contributing to their condition.
The researchers said the link was not likely to be due to people with mental illness having a greater wish to smoke cannabis. Instead, they suggested that cannabis may increase the chances of a person suffering psychosis by causing chemical changes to the brain. They also took into account factors such as family history, current mental disorders, and illicit substance abuse.
The scientists, led by Dr. David Fergusson, said it was likely cannabis use increased the chances of a person suffering psychosis by causing chemical changes to the brain. Writing in Addiction, he added: "Even when all factors were taken into account, there was a clear increase in rates of psychotic symptoms after the start of regular use.
"These findings add to the growing body of evidence from different sources, all of which suggest that heavy use of cannabis may lead to increased risk of psychotic symptoms and disease in susceptible individuals."
It is important to mention that cannabis may have medicinal benefits for patients undergoing chemotherapy, where it is thought to alleviate nausea and stimulate appetite. It may also be beneficial to those suffering from glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. This issue is very controversial however, and use of marijuana for these specific purposes remains illegal, except in certain controlled studies.
While more study is needed to confirm the New Zealand study findings, the message is clear: Don’t take foolish chances with your mental health. Forget recreational drugs, and don’t smoke pot.
