Objectives:
To evaluate whether cannabinoid users with psychosis respond differently to antipsychotic treatment than those with psychosis without concomitant cannabinoid use.
Background:
The current statistic reports show astounding rates of cannabinoid use, fact which is widely verified among patients in psychiatric wards, especially those admitted for psychosis. Bearing in mind the extensively discussed link between cannabis and psychosis, it seems relevant to examine how well users respond to antipsychotic treatment, with possible management and prognostic implications.
Materials and Methods:
An observational prospective study is taking place in order to evaluate the response to antipsychotic treatment in patients with psychosis with and without simultaneous cannabinoid use. The response to treatment will be measured by the number of hospitalization days, as well as by the clinical improvement displayed on scales such as the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Patients included are the ones admitted in a Psychiatric ward from January 1st to June 30th with a psychosis diagnosis.
Results and Conclusions:
The data is still being compiled. According to a brief literature review, this seems to be a poorly analyzed subject. We expect to demonstrate some differences in the response to treatment, which might be illustrated by longer hospitalizations and lower improvement rates on the group of patients with cannabinoid use. We expect to put into perspective the influence of cannabinoid use on the response to treatment as well as to discuss what the next step might be on managing these patients.

ARE PSYCHOTIC CANNABINOID USERS HARDER TO TREAT? A PROSPECTIVE STUDY