Cannabis and psychosis in acute psychiatric admissions

Abstract

This study assessed the duration of admission and time to relapse in 62 acute psychiatric in-patients who had urinary drug screens performed because of suspicion of illicit drug use. Some 51% of those with psychosis (n = 45) and 29% of those with non-psychotic illness (n = 17) were THC-positive although this was not significant. In those with recurrent admissions for psychosis tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-positive subjects were significantly younger. The duration of admission was 7 days shorter in the THC-positive group but this was not significant. Their duration since last admission (rapidity of relapse) was 10 months versus 33 months which was significant.