The interaction between attachment, trauma and cannabis in creating vulnerability for psychosis
Samantha Carley, G. Adams
Psychosis March 21, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2023.2177326 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Argues that exposure to trauma or adversity and attachment style are psychological risk factors for both harmful cannabis use patterns and psychosis, but that evidence on their individual and cumulative effects on psychosis onset and severity is lacking. Proposes that trauma- and attachment-oriented therapies could be incorporated into treatment for early psychosis and cannabis misuse and into prevention efforts. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background and Method Research has shown that psychotic illness is more prevalent in frequent cannabis users, even though many people enjoy cannabis recreationally without major concerns. Therefore, understanding what creates vulnerability for dangerous cannabis use patterns and psychosis is of major importance.
Result: Psychological risk factors such as exposure to trauma/adversity and attachment style have been shown to create risk for both harmful patterns of cannabis use and psychosis.
Discussion: However, evidence regarding the individual and cumulative effects of these factors on psychosis onset and severity is lacking. Understanding the role of trauma and attachment in creating vulnerability for cannabis overuse might lead to incorporation of trauma and attachment-oriented therapies in the treatment of suitable individuals with early psychosis and cannabis misuse, and the development of more effective prevention.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence | 2004 | Review | |
| Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. General (historical and pharmacological review) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychiatric effects of cannabis | 2001 | Review | |
| Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs | 2011 | Review | |
| Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug | 2006 | Review |