Abstract
Objectives: This paper aimed to critically review the current literature concerning the possible association between cannabis use and suicidal behavior in patients with psychosis and in non-psychotic samples.
Methods: We performed a detailed Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, PsycLit, and PsycInfo search to identify all papers and book chapters focusing on the association between cannabis use, and suicidal behavior during the period between 1980 and 2011.
Results: Most, but not all studies reported an association between suicidal behavior and cannabis use both in psychotic and non-psychotic samples. However, there were also some studies suggesting a weak (not direct) association between these two phenomena. Overall, those who attempt or complete suicide are characterized by additional risk factors such as mood disorders, stressful life events, interpersonal problems, poor social support, lonely lives, and feelings of hopelessness.
Limitations: It was not possible to perform a meta-analysis due to the high heterogeneity of individual data.
Conclusions: Cannabis use was a relevant risk factor associated with both suicidal attempts and behaviors in psychotic and non-psychotic samples. Preventive programs should be directed on reducing cannabis use, particularly in psychotic subjects. Evidence suggests that targeted suicide prevention programs can be also developed in specific at-risk subgroups such as those at genetic or clinical high risk of psychosis.
Keywords: Cannabis use, suicidal behavior, psychosis, youths, prevention.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title:Can Cannabis Increase the Suicide Risk in Psychosis? A Critical Review
Volume: 18 Issue: 32
Author(s): Gianluca Serafini, Maurizio Pompili, Marco Innamorati, Zoltan Rihmer, Leo Sher and Paolo Girardi
Affiliation:
Keywords: Cannabis use, suicidal behavior, psychosis, youths, prevention.
Abstract: Objectives: This paper aimed to critically review the current literature concerning the possible association between cannabis use and suicidal behavior in patients with psychosis and in non-psychotic samples.
Methods: We performed a detailed Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, PsycLit, and PsycInfo search to identify all papers and book chapters focusing on the association between cannabis use, and suicidal behavior during the period between 1980 and 2011.
Results: Most, but not all studies reported an association between suicidal behavior and cannabis use both in psychotic and non-psychotic samples. However, there were also some studies suggesting a weak (not direct) association between these two phenomena. Overall, those who attempt or complete suicide are characterized by additional risk factors such as mood disorders, stressful life events, interpersonal problems, poor social support, lonely lives, and feelings of hopelessness.
Limitations: It was not possible to perform a meta-analysis due to the high heterogeneity of individual data.
Conclusions: Cannabis use was a relevant risk factor associated with both suicidal attempts and behaviors in psychotic and non-psychotic samples. Preventive programs should be directed on reducing cannabis use, particularly in psychotic subjects. Evidence suggests that targeted suicide prevention programs can be also developed in specific at-risk subgroups such as those at genetic or clinical high risk of psychosis.
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Cite this article as:
Serafini Gianluca, Pompili Maurizio, Innamorati Marco, Rihmer Zoltan, Sher Leo and Girardi Paolo, Can Cannabis Increase the Suicide Risk in Psychosis? A Critical Review, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2012; 18 (32) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161212802884663
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161212802884663 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
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