Cannabis abuse in patients with schizophrenia: pattern and effects on symptomatology.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between cannabis abuse and its impact on the short-term outcome and severity of illness.


METHODS
Case control study.


METHODS
This study was conducted at P.G.M.I. Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from January to October 2004.


METHODS
ICD-10 criteria were used for diagnosis of schizophrenia. Severity and type of schizophrenic symptoms were assessed with the help of PANSS. Cases were identified as having problem with cannabis use with the help of section 12 of Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) W.H.O. 1994. Amount, duration and frequency of cannabis use was also noted.


RESULTS
Patients with cannabis use were younger had shorter duration of illness and earlier age at onset of illness. They exhibited more positive symptoms. A total of 20% cases met ICD-10 criteria of harmful use of cannabinoid, 76% met ICD-10 criteria of cannabinoid dependence syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
Schizophrenic patients with comorbid cannabis abuse exhibited more positive symptoms and violent behavior, and may be more likely to lead to dependence in persons with schizophrenia. This has implication for service development to meet the perceived needs of this group.
Rehman
Inayat Ur
IU
Department of Provincial Health, PGMI and Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. docinayat@yahoo.com
Farooq
Saeed
S
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000150:complications*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*