Jacob Bell
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Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol effects in schizophrenia: implications for cognition, psychosis, and addiction
Author(s) D'Souza DC, Abi-Saab WM, Madonick S, Forselius-Bielen K, Doersch A, Braley G, Gueorguieva R, Cooper TB, Krystal JH.
Journal, Volume, Issue Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Mar 15;57(6):594-608.
Major outcome(s) THC is associated with transient exacerbation in core psychotic and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Medication Delta-9-THC
Dose(s) 2.5-5 mg THC
Duration (days) 3
Participants 13 patients with schizophrenia
Design Controlled study
Type of publication Medical journal
Address of author(s) Schizophrenia Biological Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA. deepak.dsouza@yale.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent advances in the neurobiology of cannabinoids have renewed interest in the association between cannabis and psychotic disorders. METHODS: In a 3-day, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, the behavioral, cognitive, motor, and endocrine effects of 0 mg, 2.5 mg, and 5 mg intravenous Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC) were characterized in 13 stable, antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia patients. These data were compared with effects in healthy subjects reported elsewhere. RESULTS: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol transiently increased 1) learning and recall deficits; 2) positive, negative, and general schizophrenia symptoms; 3) perceptual alterations; 4) akathisia, rigidity, and dyskinesia; 5) deficits in vigilance; and 6) plasma prolactin and cortisol. Schizophrenia patients were more vulnerable to Delta-9-THC effects on recall relative to control subjects. There were no serious short- or long-term adverse events associated with study participation. CONCLUSIONS: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is associated with transient exacerbation in core psychotic and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. These data do not provide a reason to explain why schizophrenia patients use or misuse cannabis. Furthermore, Delta-9-THC might differentially affect schizophrenia patients relative to control subjects. Finally, the enhanced sensitivity to the cognitive effects of Delta-9-THC warrants further study into whether brain cannabinoid receptor dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.
Source: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol effects in schizophrenia: implications for cognition, psychosis, and addiction
Author(s) D'Souza DC, Abi-Saab WM, Madonick S, Forselius-Bielen K, Doersch A, Braley G, Gueorguieva R, Cooper TB, Krystal JH.
Journal, Volume, Issue Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Mar 15;57(6):594-608.
Major outcome(s) THC is associated with transient exacerbation in core psychotic and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Medication Delta-9-THC
Dose(s) 2.5-5 mg THC
Duration (days) 3
Participants 13 patients with schizophrenia
Design Controlled study
Type of publication Medical journal
Address of author(s) Schizophrenia Biological Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA. deepak.dsouza@yale.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent advances in the neurobiology of cannabinoids have renewed interest in the association between cannabis and psychotic disorders. METHODS: In a 3-day, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, the behavioral, cognitive, motor, and endocrine effects of 0 mg, 2.5 mg, and 5 mg intravenous Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC) were characterized in 13 stable, antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia patients. These data were compared with effects in healthy subjects reported elsewhere. RESULTS: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol transiently increased 1) learning and recall deficits; 2) positive, negative, and general schizophrenia symptoms; 3) perceptual alterations; 4) akathisia, rigidity, and dyskinesia; 5) deficits in vigilance; and 6) plasma prolactin and cortisol. Schizophrenia patients were more vulnerable to Delta-9-THC effects on recall relative to control subjects. There were no serious short- or long-term adverse events associated with study participation. CONCLUSIONS: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is associated with transient exacerbation in core psychotic and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. These data do not provide a reason to explain why schizophrenia patients use or misuse cannabis. Furthermore, Delta-9-THC might differentially affect schizophrenia patients relative to control subjects. Finally, the enhanced sensitivity to the cognitive effects of Delta-9-THC warrants further study into whether brain cannabinoid receptor dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.
Source: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol effects in schizophrenia: implications for cognition, psychosis, and addiction
