Reasons for cannabis use in psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the reasons for cannabis use among individuals with psychotic disorders.


METHODS
Forty-nine people with psychotic disorders in treatment with community health centres in Northern Sydney were interviewed to collect information about their experience of antipsychotic side-effects and their influence on cannabis use. Other information collected on cannabis use included: amount and frequency, effects of use and other general reasons given for use.


RESULTS
It was found that boredom, social motives, improving sleep, anxiety and agitation and symptoms associated with negative psychotic symptoms or depression were the most important motivators of cannabis use. Positive symptoms of psychosis and antipsychotic side-effects that were not associated with anxiety, were not important motivators of cannabis use.


CONCLUSIONS
As cannabis use may precipitate relapse in this population, it is important to reduce these motivators of use. Clinician's must assess and treat these problems, thus reducing the need for patients to self-medicate with cannabis, and therefore reducing the risk of relapse.
Schofield
David
D
University of Sydney, Psychological Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia. dschofie@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Tennant
Chris
C
Nash
Louise
L
Degenhardt
Louisa
L
Cornish
Alison
A
Hobbs
Coletta
C
Brennan
Gail
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence; D012651:Self Medication; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D013287:Illicit Drugs