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Chapter 12 - Cannabis Consumption and Risk of Depression and Suicidal Behaviour

from Part IV - Cannabis, Anxiety, and Mood

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 May 2023

By
Gabriella Gobbi
Edited by
Deepak Cyril D'Souza ,
David Castle  and
Sir Robin Murray
Deepak Cyril D'Souza
Affiliation:
Staff Psychiatrist, VA Connecticut Healthcare System; Professor of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine
David Castle
Affiliation:
University of Tasmania, Australia
Sir Robin Murray
Affiliation:
Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychosis Service at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust; Professor of Psychiatric Research at the Institute of Psychiatry
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Summary

A plethora of studies in animal models and large epidemiological studies in humans have shown that cannabis consumption during adolescence – a critical neurodevelopmental period for human beings – leads to an increased risk of developing mood disorders in adolescence or in young adulthood. Cannabis interacts with the monoaminergic system and with the endogenous cannabinoid system by altering the mechanism of mood regulation. Recent meta-analyses have also pointed out an increased risk for major depression in young adulthood after cannabis consumption in adolescence, even in the absence of pre-existing depression. Moreover, cannabis is also a risk factor for suicidal behaviours and suicide attempts. In summary, clinical studies suggest that cannabis is consumed by young people with depression largely for self-medication; however, its use, even in the absence of pre-morbid conditions, may also increase the risk of developing a mood disorder and can drive impulsive and suicidal behaviours.

Keywords

cannabismajor depressionTHCsuicidesuicidal attemptsadolescence
Type
Chapter
Information
Marijuana and Madness , pp. 120 - 127
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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