Developing a theoretical framework for persistent cannabis use among young adults with first episode psychosis
L. Marino, Samantha Jankowski, R. Kent, M. Birnbaum, I. Nossel, Jean-Marie E. Alves-Bradford, L. Dixon
Early Intervention in Psychiatry May 16, 2021 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13176 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractFor young adults with early psychosis who receive coordinated specialty care, cannabis use often begins before psychosis onset and persists because of social normalization, coping with symptoms, and perceived benefits. Users describe cannabis as a way to manage stress, anxiety, and boredom, and they report that quitting is difficult due to withdrawal and lack of appealing alternatives. Non-users avoid cannabis because of paranoia, family disapproval, or health concerns. These findings suggest that treatment for cannabis use disorder in this population should address social contexts, symptom management, and withdrawal.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Young adults with early psychosis receiving coordinated specialty care in the United States |
| Keywords | Medicine Psychology |
| Key finding | Cannabis use among young adults with first episode psychosis is driven by social normalization, coping with symptoms, and perceived benefits, while non-use is motivated by paranoia, family disapproval, or health concerns. |
Abstract
Cannabis use is common among individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP) and persistent use is associated with worse outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify factors pertaining to onset of cannabis use and persistent use among young adults with early psychosis receiving coordinated specialty care (CSC) in the United States and begin to develop a theoretical framework to drive further study and hypothesis testing and inform the approach to treatment of cannabis use disorder in this setting.