Comparison of co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses in male adolescent in-patients with a history of cannabis use with those without cannabis use

Abstract

Background: Globally, cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances and it is perceived to be harmless. However, research confirms that the onset of cannabis use before the age of 16 may predispose the individual to a range of severe psychiatric illnesses. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cannabis use disorder, to describe the local demographic profile of the participants and to examine the co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses in adolescents admitted to a psychiatric unit. Methods: This was a retrospective record review of male adolescents aged 13 to 18 years admitted as in-patients to the psychiatric ward at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Results: The study sample comprised of 51 male adolescents admitted during an 18-month period. The majority, 84%,were diagnosed on admission with cannabis use disorder. In the cannabis use disorder group (n=43) the mean level of education was grade 9 and the mean age was 16 years. There was an association found between cannabis use disorder and substance induced psychotic disorder. Conclusion: The most common diagnosis recorded in this study was substance induced psychotic disorder. The findings highlight the need for more integrated services, such as educational initiatives and dual diagnosis treatment programmes, targeted particularly at psychiatrically vulnerable adolescents