Skip to main content
Article
Pathways to Psychosis in Cannabis Abuse
Clin Schizophr Relat Psychoses. 2013 Mar 14:1-18. [Epub ahead of print] (2013)
  • Amresh Srivastava, University of Western Ontario
Abstract

Cannabis has been implicated as a risk factor for the development of schizophrenia, but the exact biological mechanisms remain unclear. In this review, we attempt to understand the neurobiological pathways that link cannabis use to schizophrenia. This has been an area of great debate; despite similarities between cannabis users and schizophrenia patients, the evidence is not sufficient to establish cause-and-effect. There have been advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of cannabis dependence as well as the role of the cannabinoid system in the development of psychosis and schizophrenia. The neurobiological mechanisms associated with the development of psychosis and effects from cannabis use may be similar but remains elusive.. In order to better understand these associations, this paper will show common neurobiological and neuroanatomical changes as well as common cognitive dysfunction in cannabis users and patients of schizophrenia.. We conclude that epidemiologic evidence highlights potential causal links; however neurobiological evidence for causality remains weak

Keywords
  • Cannabis,
  • Psychosis,
  • Schizophrenia,
  • Neurobiology
Publication Date
Winter March, 2013
Citation Information
Amresh Srivastava. "Pathways to Psychosis in Cannabis Abuse" Clin Schizophr Relat Psychoses. 2013 Mar 14:1-18. [Epub ahead of print] Vol. 14 Iss. March (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/amreshsrivastava/108/