New insight in psychotic cannabis withdrawal: case series and brief overview
Valerio Ricci, Domenico de Berardis, Giovanni Martinotti, Giuseppe Maina
Rivista di psichiatria November 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1708/4386.43840 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAbruptly stopping cannabis use can trigger psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals. An analysis of four patients seen between 2019 and 2023 describes psychotic features that emerged after sudden cannabis withdrawal. The report suggests that withdrawal, not only chronic use, may be a risk factor for precipitating psychosis, especially in susceptible patients. Clinicians should be aware of this potential risk.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case series Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 4 |
| Population | Patients referred to a mental health department with psychosis after cannabis withdrawal |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Series stratigraphy Psychiatry Psychology Medicine |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Abrupt cannabis withdrawal may precipitate psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals. |
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cannabis is the most used recreational drug worldwide. Its use can increase the risk of developing psychotic disorders and exacerbate their course. However, little is known about the relationship between psychosis and withdrawal and the literature is still scarce. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, based on an analysis of 4 patients referred to our mental health department and evaluated between 2019 and 2023, we describe psychotic features emerged after abrupt cannabis withdrawal and we attempt to explore its characteristics. CONCLUSION: Although it is difficult to show specific mechanisms underlying the psychopathological alterations in cannabis withdrawal induced psychosis, it is clear that this serious clinical picture could be a risk factor for precipitating psychosis especially in a vulnerable group of patients. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of a higher risk of psychotic onset associated not only with chronic cannabis use but also with its abrupt cessation.