Project Summary

Andrea Auther, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2004) of the Zucker Hillside Hospital and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, proposes studying the relationship between marijuana use and the development of psychoses in adolescents and young adults at high risk for schizophrenia. Study subjects would come from a longitudinal research program at her hospital. The individuals have attenuated symptoms of schizophrenia that may progress to psychosis and have a low rate of marijuana use and, therefore, are suited for a study of whether marijuana use is a risk factor for psychosis or an attempt to self medicate. The study aims: to assess whether marijuana use precedes or follows the onset of symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations; to determine if marijuana use is related to symptom worsening; and to examine whether hair analysis corroborates self-report and urinalysis of marijuana use. The study will assess 60 high-risk participants at baseline and every three months for one year for symptoms—using psychiatric scales--and marijuana use--using self-report and urinalysis. A subset of subjects will provide hair samples. Results could help in the treatment and understanding of schizophrenia pathophysiology.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia\Substance Abuse

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