Sarah Tosato

2 papers in the library · 89 citations · publishing 2020

Papers

Daily use of high-potency cannabis is associated with more positive symptoms in first-episode psychosis patients: the EU-GEI case–control study

Psychological Medicine March 18, 2020 Diego Quattrone, Laura Ferraro, Giada Tripoli et al. 89 citations

Daily use of high-potency cannabis is associated with more positive symptoms and fewer negative symptoms in first-episode psychosis patients. Among 901 patients and 1,235 controls across six European countries, those who used high-potency cannabis daily had the highest scores on positive symptoms, while negative symptoms were more common in patients who never used cannabis. Psychotic experiences in controls were linked to current cannabis use but not to lifetime use. Depressive symptoms showed no differences related to cannabis use in either group.

DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720000082 Full text Cannabis Psychosis Psychiatry Potency +2

Cannabis and Cognition: Connecting the Dots towards the Understanding of the Relationship

Brain Sciences February 27, 2020 Marco Colizzi, Sarah Tosato, Mirella Ruggeri

Earlier age of starting cannabis, high-frequency and high-potency use, sustained use over time, and use of synthetic cannabinoids are all correlated with a higher likelihood of developing potentially severe and persistent executive function impairments. MRI studies show both structural and functional brain alterations associated with cannabis use. Cognitive dysfunction is also a core feature of many neuropsychiatric disorders, and cannabis use in these populations requires caution. Cognitive impairments affect daily function, sociability, and long-term outcomes, increasing economic, social, and clinical burdens. The authors advocate for behavioral and cognitive rehabilitation therapies and for investigating the endocannabinoid system to develop new psychopharmacological treatments.

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030133