Cannabis use predicts shorter duration of untreated psychosis and lower levels of negative symptoms in first-episode psychosis: a South African study
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
;
13(5): 395-399, 2010. tab
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1257869
ABSTRACT
Objective:
Cannabis use/abuse is a common co-morbid problem in patients experiencing a first episode of psychotic illness (FEP). The relationship between the clinical presentation of FEP and cannabis abuse is complex and warrants further investigation; especially within the South African context.Method:
We tested associations between recent/current cannabis use and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP); age of onset (AO); PANSS-rated (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) positive; negative and general psychopathology symptoms and depressive symptoms (Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia) in a sample of 54 patients with FEP.Results:
Mean DUP was 34.4 weeks; while mean AO was 24.7 years. Co-morbid cannabis use occurred in 35of the sample and was significantly associated with shorter DUP (Mann-Whitney U; p=0.026). While not significant; there was also a trend association between cannabis use and lower negative symptoms (Mann-Whitney U; p=0.051).Conclusion:
Current/recent cannabis use was associated with clinical features of psychosis onset that previously have been associated with better outcome. Medium and long-term outcome for cannabis users however; is likely to depend on whether or not cannabis use is ongoing
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Psychotic Disorders
/
Signs and Symptoms
/
Cannabis
/
Marijuana Smoking
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Risk factors
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
Year:
2010
Type:
Article
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