Sustained Remission in Cannabis-Induced Psychosis treated as Schizophrenia
Puja Neupane, Shailendra Raj Adhikari, Ansuda Poudel, Lily Gurung
Journal of Psychiatrists Association of Nepal December 31, 2024 DOI: 10.3126/jpan.v13i2.74814 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 34-year-old male with long-term cannabis use and psychotic symptoms |
| Intervention | Cannabis abstinence |
| Duration | Six months |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Cannabis abstinence led to resolution of psychotic symptoms and sustained remission, allowing discontinuation of antipsychotic and antidepressant medications over six months. The case suggests that addressing cannabis use is critical in managing cannabis-induced psychosis overlapping with schizophrenia. |
Abstract
Cannabis-induced psychosis and schizophrenia can present with similar symptoms making difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. We, herein, present a case of 34-year-old male with history of long term use of cannabis. He initially presented with symptoms suggestive of schizophrenia and was treated with antipsychotics. Patient would go in remission but whenever he is exposed to cannabis, would develop psychotic symptoms similar to symptoms of schizophrenia. After getting admitted in the institute, patient received comprehensive treatment focusing on cannabis abstinence and psycho-education. Over six months, antipsychotic and antidepressant medications were gradually tapered and discontinued. Following cannabis abstinence, the patient exhibited resolution of psychotic symptoms, with sustained remission, improved social engagement, and occupational stability. This case underscores the importance of cannabis abstinence in managing cannabis-induced psychosis overlapping with schizophrenia and demonstrates the potential for recovery without antipsychotic medication when substance use is effectively addressed.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder after psilocybin consumption: a case study 18-year-old man with HPPD after mixed psilocybin and cannabis intoxication | 2005 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Cannabis‐induced Koro in Americans American men aged 22-26 with years of cannabis experience who reported negative... | 2001 | Case series | n = 3 |
| “Hallucinations” Following Acute Cannabis Dosing: A Case Report and Comparison to Other Hallucinogenic Drugs Healthy 30-year-old male | 2018 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: A literature review and three case reports Patients with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder | 2018 | Case series | n = 3 |
| Cannabis Psychosis in Young Psychiatric Inpatients Consecutive psychiatric hospital admissions of patients aged 35 and under | 1986 | Case study | n = 25 |