Cannabis psychosis 'relatively rare', says Frank
Talk confidentially to
Samaritans any time of the day or night.
Whatever you're going through, whether it's big or small, don't
bottle it up. We are here for you if you're worried about
something, feel upset or confused, or just want to talk to
someone.
Cases of psychosis arising from sustained use of high potency
strains of cannabis are still relatively rare, Dr Ken Cechinksi,
FRANK spokesperson and Royal College of Psychiatrists member, has
noted.
Speaking on December 11th, the doctor explained that in the
majority of cases where cannabis users develop emotional health
problems, it is as a side effect of the intoxicating qualities of
the drug, and not as a symptom of a long-term psychiatric disorder
such as schizophrenia arising from cannabis use.
Dr Cechinski, who also works as a consultant psychiatrist at a
hospital in Surrey where he commonly sees people who are
experiencing problems as a result of cannabis use, has commented
that as yet, there is little evidence that the increasing use of
cannabis use has contributed to a growing number of cases of
schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
He explained that while in the past 15 years there has been a
marked increase in the availability of high-potency cannabis such
as skunk or sensimilia - with many producers possessing
professional horticultural knowledge of how to develop stronger
variants - there has not yet been a correlated rise in the number
of cases of schizophrenia, instances of which have remained broadly
stable during the period.
And while he noted that it is unlikely that such a long-term
problem will develop, it is important to acknowledge that it can
happen.
However, Dr Cechinski went on to explain that for most users who
experience emotional health issues such as depression, it is
usually a result of the narcotic and intoxicating qualities of
high-strength cannabis.
This level of intoxication has grown as the potency of the drug
has increased and that these new strains need to be distinguished
from the types of cannabis that were available in the past in order
to understand the effects that using the drug can have on people's
wellbeing.
"Imagine drinking half a pint of normal strength lager - five
per cent - and compare that to drinking half a pint or a gin or
vodka - 40 per cent.
"If you take these things in a similar way and drink them 20
minutes or half an hour, it is going to affect you in a completely
different way," he explained.
Among the effects heightened by new stronger yields arising from
intoxication are confusion and disorientation, lack of motivation
and rejection of social, educational and professional commitments,
all of which can increase pressure on users and lead to
depression.
However, he did note that in some cases the effects can lead to
the development of long-term mental health problems with common
symptoms of delusion and acute paranoia.
For those who are concerned that they are experiencing emotional
health issues as a result of cannabis use, he explained that in the
first instance, seeking out information on the subject using
services such as the FRANK website and helpline can help people to
understand their difficulty and find avenues for support. So too,
he added, the Samaritans helpline can offer support and guidance
for those who are concerned about the effect that cannabis use is
having on their wellbeing.
"Because it is illegal and because drugs are associated with
shame so often, it is very important for people to be able to go to
services such as the Samaritans anonymously, where they will get a
trained ear and where they won't be told what to do, but have a
chance to reflect," he said.
And for those who feel they are in need of further help, he
explained that people should approach their GP and seek out help
from trained consultant psychiatrists who can offer treatment for
the side effects of cannabis such as depression and anxiety.
Further information can be found on the FRANK website in
addition to the Royal College of Psychiatrists website.
The Frank hotline can be reached on 0800 77 66 00, while the
Samaritans are available on 08457 90 90 90 or 1850 60 90 90 in the
Republic of Ireland. Both services are available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
More stories
Read more stories about emotional
health
These news stories relating to emotional
health issues are presented here for information purposes
only, and does not constitute official Samaritans policy. All
stories are © Adfero.
Material is intended for general reference only. No liability is
accepted for any errors, or for any losses that may be incurred if
any material is relied on.