Research note: adolescents' perception of psychosis risk following cannabis consumption

Subst Use Misuse. 2012 Mar;47(4):396-402. doi: 10.3109/10826084.2011.639041. Epub 2012 Jan 4.

Abstract

Cannabis consumption during adolescence has been associated with the onset of psychosis. In 2010, we examined adolescents' perception of this association. Adolescents (N = 583) from four Romanian urban high schools filled in psychosis proneness scales according to the risk they assigned to hypothetical adolescents described in vignettes. Target adolescent's frequency and age of first consumption were manipulated. Analysis of variance indicated a main effect of target's consumption frequency, but no effect of age of first consumption on psychosis risk perception. Participants' own consumption status acted as moderator. Results highlight the discrepancy between clinical research results and adolescents' perception of psychosis risk. The study's limitations are noted.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cannabis / adverse effects*
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Psychoses, Substance-Induced*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Romania
  • Students
  • Young Adult