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Factor structure of the Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire in a first‐episode psychosis sample
Author(s) -
Birnbaum Michael L.,
Cleary Sean D.,
Ramsay Wan Claire,
Pauselli Luca,
Compton Michael T.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/eip.12509
Subject(s) - paranoia , psychosis , cannabis , euphoriant , psychology , exploratory factor analysis , psychiatry , clinical psychology , anxiety , risk factor , psychometrics , medicine
Aim The Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ) was developed to measure the subjective experiences of cannabis use both during and after intoxication. Despite the need to better understand the nature of the complex and significant relationship between cannabis use and early psychosis, this questionnaire has rarely been used in individuals with first‐episode psychosis. Methods We conducted a set of factor analyses using CEQ data from 194 first‐episode psychosis patients who used cannabis in order to uncover the underlying factor structure of the questionnaire and thus the overarching types of psychological experiences during/after using cannabis in young people with psychotic disorders. Results Our exploratory factor analysis identified 4 subscales, including: Distortions of Reality and Self‐Perception (Factor 1), Euphoria Effects (Factor 2), Slowing and Amotivational Effects (Factor 3), and Anxiety and Paranoia Effects (Factor 4). Conclusions Elucidating the underlying factor structure of the CEQ in first‐episode psychosis samples could help researchers move towards a deeper understanding of the types of experiences associated with cannabis intoxication among young adults with first‐episode psychosis and could inform the development of programs designed to reduce use, improve the course of illness, and possibly delay or prevent the onset of psychotic symptoms in those at risk.