Psychotic-like experiences with cannabis use predict cannabis cessation and desire to quit- A cannabis discontinuation hypothesis

Sami, Musa, Notley, Caitlin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0876-3304, Kouimtsidis, Christos, Lynskey, Michael and Bhattacharyya, Sagnik (2019) Psychotic-like experiences with cannabis use predict cannabis cessation and desire to quit- A cannabis discontinuation hypothesis. Psychological Medicine, 49 (1). pp. 103-112. ISSN 0033-2917

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Abstract

Background Evidence suggests that cannabis-induced psychotic-like experiences may be a marker of psychosis proneness. The effect of such experiences on cannabis use has not systematically been examined.Methods We undertook a mixed-methods online survey of 1231 cannabis users (including 926 continued users) using the Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire. We examined the effect of psychotic-like and pleasurable experiences on cessation of cannabis and intention to quit. Socio-demographic variables, cannabis use parameters and substance misuse history were included as covariates. Free-text data explored subjective reasons for changes in use.Results Cessation of cannabis use was associated with greater psychotic-like experiences [p < 0.001, Exp(B) 1.262, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.179-1.351], whilst continued cannabis users were more likely to report pleasurable experiences [p < 0.001, Exp(B) 0.717, 95% CI 0.662-0.776]. Intention to quit cannabis in continued users was associated with greater psychotic-like experiences [p < 0.003, Exp(B) 1.131, 95% CI 1.044-1.225], whilst intention to not quit was significantly associated with increased pleasurable experiences [p < 0.015, Exp(B) 0.892, 95% CI 0.814-0.978]. Whereas former users clearly ascribed cessation to negative experiences, continued users who expressed intention to quit less readily ascribed the intention to negative experiences.Conclusions Elucidation of psychotic-like experiences may form the basis of a therapeutic intervention for those who wish to quit. Cessation in those with cannabis-induced psychotomimetic experiences may offset the risk for the development of a psychotic disorder, in this higher risk group.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: cannabis,cessation,discontinuation,marijuana,pattern of use,psychosis risk,psychotic-like experiences,applied psychology,psychiatry and mental health,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3200/3202
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023)
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
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Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 05 Mar 2018 11:30
Last Modified: 24 Oct 2023 01:10
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/66434
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291718000569

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