First episode psychosis with and without the use of cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids: Psychopathology, global functioning and suicidal ideation and antipsychotic effectiveness.
Psychiatry Research January 1, 2023 Ricci Valerio, C. França, Di Carlo Francesco et al.
Psychoses linked to natural cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids present distinct symptom profiles and outcomes compared to psychoses without cannabis use. In a sample of 61 first-episode psychosis patients, those using natural cannabis, and especially synthetic cannabinoids, had more severe positive symptoms, while non-users had more negative symptoms. After nine months, non-users recovered better in global functioning than synthetic cannabinoid users. Dissociative symptoms were greater among substance users, and suicidal ideation was highest in synthetic cannabinoid users. These differences may guide specific drug treatments.