Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol effects in schizophrenia: Implications for cognition, psychosis, and addiction
2005; Elsevier BV; Volume: 57; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.12.006
ISSN1873-2402
AutoresDeepak Cyril D’Souza, Walid Abi‐Saab, Steven Madonick, Kimberlee Forselius-Bielen, Anne Doersch, Gabriel Braley, Ralitza Gueorguieva, Thomas B. Cooper, John H. Krystal,
Tópico(s)Neuroscience of respiration and sleep
ResumoBackground 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 Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-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 Δ-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, Δ-9-THC might differentially affect schizophrenia patients relative to control subjects. Finally, the enhanced sensitivity to the cognitive effects of Δ-9-THC warrants further study into whether brain cannabinoid receptor dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.
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