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Psychosis following traumatic brain injury and cannabis use in late adolescence
Author(s) -
Rabner Jonathan,
Gottlieb Sarah,
Lazdowsky Lori,
LeBel Alyssa
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1111/ajad.12338
Subject(s) - psychosis , cannabis , psychiatry , psychology , traumatic brain injury , injury prevention , poison control , medicine , clinical psychology , medical emergency
Background Both cannabis and traumatic brain injury (TBI) pose risks on the developing brain, including a potential increased vulnerability for developing psychosis. Recent reports detail an upward trend in both adolescent cannabis use and the concentration of THC, the most potent psychoactive component in cannabis. Similarly, it is estimated that 1.7 million Americans incur a TBI each year. Previously trivialized as a minor nuisance, attitudes towards TBIs are changing as researchers and the public recognize TBIs’ possible long‐lasting sequelae. Case Report Two cases are presented of adolescent patients with histories of TBI and self‐reported heavy, recreational cannabis use who developed symptoms of psychosis. Discussion Similar neuronal signaling pathways involved in cannabis ingestion and TBI recovery, specifically CB 1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, as well as the allostatic load model provide context for the two presented cases. Given the cases and theories presented, we believe that cannabis use may act as a neurological stressor and risk factor for psychosis outweighing its possible benefits as a therapeutic solution for pain in late adolescent and young adult populations. Significance The presented cases provide further support for the compounded risk of developing psychosis following TBI and cannabis use. (Am J Addict 2016;25:91–93)