Does cannabis use predict aggressive or violent behavior in psychiatric populations? A systematic review

Sorkhou, Maryam; Johnstone, Samantha; Kivlichan, Ashley; George, Tony P.

doi:10.1080/00952990.2022.2118060

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 75 publications

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“…Notably, in the general population, cannabis use is associated with cognitive deficits and health-related issues [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. In addition to these effects, cannabis use in individuals with SMD also leads to decreased medication compliance, higher rates of hospitalization, poorer quality of life, and higher risk of auto- and hetero-aggressive violence [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Studies have also shown that its use can lead to the exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, as well as precipitating or aggravating episodes of mania and depression [ 12 , 27 , 28 , 29 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Avatar Intervention for Cannabis Use Disorder in Individuals with Severe Mental Disorders: A Pilot Study

Giguère

Potvin

Beaudoin

et al. 2023

JPM

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Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a complex issue, even more so when it is comorbid with a severe mental disorder (SMD). Available interventions are at best slightly effective, and their effects are not maintained over time. Therefore, the integration of virtual reality (VR) may increase efficacy; however, it has not yet been investigated in the treatment of CUD. A novel approach, avatar intervention for CUD, uses existing therapeutic techniques from other recommended therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral methods, motivational interviewing) and allows participants to practice them in real-time. During immersive sessions, participants are invited to interact with an avatar representing a significant person related to their drug use. This pilot clinical trial aimed to evaluate the short-term efficacity of avatar intervention for CUD on 19 participants with a dual diagnosis of SMD and CUD. Results showed a significant moderate reduction in the quantity of cannabis use (Cohen’s d = 0.0.611, p = 0.004), which was confirmed via urinary quantification of cannabis use. Overall, this unique intervention shows promising results. Longer-term results, as well as comparison with classical interventions in a larger sample, are warranted through a future single-blind randomized controlled trial.

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