Mental symptoms among chronic hashish abusers

ABSTRACT

The development of specific mental syndromes after chronic [Hashish] abuse has been well-known for decades. However the development of psychosis is still controversial. This study shows that psychosis and some other syndromes can develop in chronic Hashish abusers, specially those who smoke it in large amounts and over long periods of time. The severity of symptoms seems to be related to the amount and duration of abuse. This study was done on [60] chronic male Hashish abusers. All of them were Afghan Refugees who have been living in Pakistan for average [7] years. They have been smoking Charas [a variety of Hashish prepared from cannabis] in average amount of [4] gms/day, and for average duraton of [9] years. The final diagnosis was Cannabis Psychosis in 53.3%, simple abuse in 16.7%, neurotic [anxiety-depression] in 13.4%, delusional disorder in 11.7%, and 3.3%, were having features of Amotivational Syndrome