Can smoking weed cause schizophrenia

Answer 1

No; marijuana does not help schizophrenia. Marijuana has been proven in studies to increase the likelihood of schizophrenia and worsen symptoms. Individuals with schizophrenia should avoid marijuana.

Answer 2

No, there are no medical studies that have made any direct cause-and-effect links between the two (in people who otherwise have good mental health), regardless of the frequency or amounts of marijuana used.

Some people, who already have underlying mental health or mood disorders, have been observed to have an increase in the symptoms or behaviors associated with those disorders (such as schizophrenia, paranoia, depression, bipolar mania, etc.) when using marijuana. But, one does not cause the other; symptoms would have eventually surfaced anyway.

According to the US Government's National Institute of Mental Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), as well as other mental health resources, symptoms of schizophrenia can begin in late adolescence or into early adulthood (see additional information below and site link in the related links section). There have been college students away from home, who had their first symptoms of schizophrenia without recognition of those mental health changes and need for treatment, until they returned home again for a visit. Because this is also a time period (late adolescence and early adulthood) when many in this age group use marijuana, mental health changes like those with schizophrenia have sometimes initially been attributed to marijuana use. The behavior changes seen in marijuana users are often very similar to those seen in schizophrenia. For example, associating with new groups of friends or breaking off with old friends, keeping to themselves more, paranoia, mood swings, less attention paid to appearance and responsibilities can each be signals of both. However, any associations between the use of marijuana and schizophrenia onset are coincidental and anecdotal.

Unfortunately, this kind of situation can lead to a "missed-diagnosis" and missed opportunity for early treatment of schizophrenia. Masking of other medical or mental health disorders, which causes delayed treatment of the underlying problem, can be a serious consequence of the use of drugs.

More about marijuana use:

Some people who have been using marijuana regularly, like once a month, can eventually develop the "need" to smoke much more often. This is not due to a physical addiction, like with narcotics or amphetamines. For them, there is a social component associated with the drug use, and with their involvement with the subculture of illegal drug users. This can result in more habitual use over time as the social dependency on the subculture strengthens. This particular group of users often either increases the amount and frequency of use beyond once a month, or gains insight, sees the risks, and quits using.

From The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) about the onset of symptoms of schizophrenia:

Schizophrenia affects men and women equally. It occurs at similar rates in all ethnic groups around the world. Symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions usually start between ages 16 and 30. Men tend to experience symptoms a little earlier than women. Most of the time, people do not get schizophrenia after age 45. Schizophrenia rarely occurs in children, but awareness of childhood-onset schizophrenia is increasing.

It can be difficult to diagnose schizophrenia in teens. This is because the first signs can include a change of friends, a drop in grades, sleep problems, and irritability-behaviors that are common among teens. A combination of factors can predict schizophrenia in up to 80 percent of youth who are at high risk of developing the illness. These factors include isolating oneself and withdrawing from others, an increase in unusual thoughts and suspicions, and a family history of psychosis. In young people who develop the disease, this stage of the disorder is called the "prodromal" period.

Answer 3

There have been studies that show a correlation between smoking marijuana during teenage years and developing schizophrenia as a young adult. Considering the magnitude of brain development that is going on during high school it is not surprising that if a chemical that alters brain function/perception is introduced there could be devastating results.

Answer 4

I know this question, as some time back I saw this behavior in my life from someone and the other acknowledged the same. It can play havoc in your life when such person gets into your life by any means even internet. I have been victim of cyber bullying and everything after I made an account.

Answer 5

If you mean in that if you smoke it, you act like you have schizophrenia, it's different with everyone.

However if you mean does it cause schizophrenia, then the answer is yes. Even if you only smoke it once it can cause it 40 years later.

Answer 6

No