Marijuana and panic disorder. [References]

Abstract

Reports the case of a 15-yr-old male with marijuana abuse who on several occasions developed anxiety symptoms after marijuana use. The anxiety symptoms persisted in the absence of marijuana, and panic disorder without agoraphobia was subsequently diagnosed. It is hypothesized that the marijuana may have unmasked an underlying vulnerability to panic disorder. There may be a subgroup of patients who are more sensitive to the adverse effects of marijuana, and this may have implications in educating adolescents about the effects of marijuana. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved)