UMSOM review finds widespread use of cannabis linked to increase in mental disorders

Widespread use and increasing potency of cannabis (marijuana) are associated with an increase in cannabis-related psychiatric disorders, according to a new review article recently published by the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). New England Medical Journal. The report highlights the urgent need for physicians to screen and treat patients who are experiencing symptoms of cannabis use disorder, or who are experiencing significant problems from cannabis use.

According to the article, in 2021, nearly 1 in 5 Americans over the age of 12 will use cannabis, and more than 16 million people will use cannabis in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Health Disorders (DSM-5-). He met the criteria for cannabis use disorder as outlined in . TR). Young people between the ages of 18 and 25 are particularly affected. The study found that more than 14 percent of this age group suffered from cannabis use disorder.

There is a lot of misinformation in the public sphere about cannabis and its effects on mental health, with many assuming that the drug has no side effects and is safe to use. It is important for doctors and the general public to understand that cannabis has addictive effects and to recognize the signs and symptoms to receive proper diagnosis and treatment. ”

David A. Gorelick, MD, PhD, UMSOM Professor of Psychiatry

Cannabis use disorder is defined as problematic marijuana use. Symptoms include craving the drug or being unable to control its use despite negative side effects such as problems at work or school. It is most prevalent among people who use cannabis four or more days a week. The main risk factors are the frequency and duration of cannabis use, but the presence of another substance use disorder or other mental illness also increases the likelihood of diagnosis.

“Nearly 50 percent of people with cannabis use disorder also have another mental illness, such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder,” Dr. Gorelick said. “It is critical that patients seek appropriate psychiatric treatment to address their risk factors.”

Physical signs and symptoms of cannabis use disorder can range from yellowing of fingertips during cannabis use to increased depression and anxiety. However, in order to be properly diagnosed by a clinician, a patient must meet two or more of the criteria for cannabis use disorder outlined in the DSM-5-TR. These include performing poorly at school or work or failing to meet important family obligations due to cannabis use. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms and craving cannabis are other symptoms.

Dr. Gorelick is cannabis research journalconducted an extensive review to educate physicians about the array of health issues that may be associated with short- and long-term cannabis use as more individuals use cannabis products. He also aimed to increase public awareness of Cannabis User Disorder, both in terms of recognizing its symptoms and understanding treatment options.

The paper also highlights other dangers of excessive cannabis use. Cannabis use accounts for 10 percent of all drug-related emergency department visits in the United States and is associated with a 30 to 40 percent increased risk of traffic accidents. In 2022, 18- to 25-year-olds had the highest rate of cannabis-related emergency department visits.

“About 1 in 10 people who use cannabis become addicted, and for those who started before age 18, that rate rises to 1 in 6,” says Mark T. Gladwin, MD, John.・Distinguished Professors Z. Bowers and Akiko K. Bowers said. Dean of UMSOM and Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. “As the use of this drug increases, we need to dig deeper into basic research to understand the brain’s cannabinoid system. We also need to dig deeper into basic research to understand the brain’s cannabinoid system. We also need to dig deeper into basic research to understand the brain’s cannabinoid system. We also need to design translational research into treatments that target the mechanisms of “overcoming dependence on this drug.” ”

A key part of UMSOM’s mission is to drive innovation in the field of addiction medicine and learn more about the neurological differences in the brain that make some people more susceptible to substance abuse and addiction. As part of this mission, the school recently opened the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine. The Institute brings together leading addiction experts to collaborate on research into the brain mechanisms underlying addiction and to train a new generation of physicians in the field of addiction medicine.

“There’s still much we don’t understand about these symptoms, including why some people experience cannabis-related disorders,” said Asaf Keller, Ph.D., associate director of the Carlat Institute, and Donald E. Wilson, M.D., Ph.D. said MACP Distinguished Professor and Chair. UMSOM Neurobiology. “That’s what we’re trying to better understand through preclinical research. We’re also working to develop treatments for cannabis-related disorders.”

There are currently seven recognized disorders associated with cannabis use. These include cannabis-induced anxiety disorder, cannabis-induced psychotic disorder, cannabis-induced sleep disorder, and cannabis-induced delirium, which manifests as hyperactivity, agitation, and disorientation with hallucinations. Their symptoms often closely resemble those of corresponding disorders not associated with cannabis.

To properly diagnose patients with cannabis use disorder, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adolescents and adults use cannabis in primary care settings as long as services for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate care are available. We recommend getting screened for the disorder (and other substance use disorders). be suggested or introduced. Screening is best done alone or within a larger health questionnaire during a medical visit. Although the FDA has not approved any effective drugs to treat cannabis use disorder, certain treatments may help people with cannabis use disorder manage symptoms and reduce or stop cannabis use. . These include cognitive conversational therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET), which help patients manage the thoughts and behaviors that trigger cannabis use and better understand why they use cannabis. . Adolescents may benefit further from family-based treatment options.

Although treatment is becoming more widely available through telehealth services, the stigma of mental illness and addiction and the lack of mental health professionals remain barriers to treatment for many patients, Gorelick said. Ta.