The interaction between attachment, trauma and cannabis in creating vulnerability for psychosis

ABSTRACT

Background and Method

Research has shown that psychotic illness is more prevalent in frequent cannabis users, even though many people enjoy cannabis recreationally without major concerns. Therefore, understanding what creates vulnerability for dangerous cannabis use patterns and psychosis is of major importance.

Result

Psychological risk factors such as exposure to trauma/adversity and attachment style have been shown to create risk for both harmful patterns of cannabis use and psychosis.

Discussion

However, evidence regarding the individual and cumulative effects of these factors on psychosis onset and severity is lacking. Understanding the role of trauma and attachment in creating vulnerability for cannabis overuse might lead to incorporation of trauma and attachment-oriented therapies in the treatment of suitable individuals with early psychosis and cannabis misuse, and the development of more effective prevention.

KEYWORDS:

• Psychosis
• cannabis
• attachment
• trauma
• schizophrenia

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Royal University Hospital Foundation Award and the Department of Psychiatry Intramural Research Award (Laura E. Chapman award)