A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry sheds light on a concerning trend: the increasing prevalence of cannabis use disorder among veterans with psychiatric disorders, particularly those with severe conditions.
Led by Ofir Livne, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University / New York State Psychiatric Institute, the research used Veterans Health Administration (VHA) electronic health records to examine cannabis use disorder trends among patients with and without psychiatric disorders during two distinct periods (2005-2014 and 2016-2019).
The study assessed data from veterans with psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and psychotic spectrum disorders, comparing their trends with those of veterans without mental health disorders.
The findings reveal a significant increase in cannabis use disorder among all VHA patients between 2005 and 2019, with a more pronounced rise in diagnoses among veterans with psychiatric disorders.
Notably, the most substantial increases were observed among individuals with bipolar and psychotic-spectrum disorders.
Furthermore, the study identified a disproportionate increase in cannabis use disorder prevalence among two specific age groups: veterans under 35 years old between 2005 and 2014 and older veterans over 64 years old between 2016 and 2019.
Several factors may contribute to this concerning trend, according to the researchers. These include the growing legalization and accessibility of marijuana, shifting public attitudes toward cannabis, and the increasing potency of cannabis products.
A recent survey indicated that nearly half of U.S. adults believe cannabis can provide relief from stress, anxiety, or depression.
In light of these factors, the study suggests that individuals with bipolar or psychotic-spectrum disorders may be turning to cannabis as a form of self-medication, despite evidence suggesting potential risks.
Individuals with comorbid cannabis use disorder and psychiatric conditions face a heightened risk of functional impairments and other adverse outcomes.
The study’s authors emphasize the need for systematic monitoring of risky cannabis use within vulnerable populations, particularly those with psychiatric disorders.
Additionally, they advocate for the development of preventive and harm-reduction strategies to address this concerning trend.
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The research findings can be found in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
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