Cannabis Use and the Risk of Psychotic Disorders: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: As cannabis becomes more popular, health professionals are paying more attention to its possible effects on mental health, especially on psychotic disorders. Additional research is necessary in order to conclusively establish the correlation between cannabis use and psychosis, even with the initial findings that have indicated this association.

Method: A Retrospective cohort study examined the link between the number of people who use cannabis and the number of people who have psychotic illnesses. 100 people from the public, between the ages of 18 and 30, were picked at random. The amount of cannabis use was measured by self-reports, and psychotic symptoms were checked using validated tools. It was looked at that there was a link between using cannabis and psychotic signs by collecting and analysing data made over the period of 1 September 2023 to 31 march 2024 at BRD Medical college, Gorakhpur.

Result: Our study showed that people who used cannabis regularly had a much higher chance of developing psychotic disorders. 10 % people were diagnosed with a psychotic illness during the follow-up period. 80% of these people said they regularly used cannabis. The prevalence of psychotic ailments was found to be statistically higher among heavy users of cannabis. (odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2-10.1, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: A Retrospective cohort study found that cannabis use increases the incidence of psychotic disorders in a dose-response fashion. These findings show that cannabis usage is a public health issue that requires targeted measures to lower psychosis risk. Further research into the fundamental mechanisms is needed to create efficient preventive and treatment methods.