Cognitive impairment in first psychotic episodes: The role of cannabis. (13th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boi, S.; Sanz-Aranguez, B.; Salvador, M.T. González; Labrador, R. Gutierrez; Ruíz, C.M. Martín; Caballero, L.; De Arce Cordón, R.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 64:Supplement 1(2021)
• Page Start: S813
• Page End: S814
• Publication Date: 2021-04-13
• Subjects: cannabis users -- cognitive impairment in first-episode psychosis -- psychosis -- first-episode psychosis; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.2150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: The role of cannabis on cognitive impairment in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is becoming more important, with multiple investigations on this regard, with heterogeneous results due to different methodologies. Objectives: To evaluate the cognitive profile in patients who suffer a FEP, analyzing the potential effect of cannabis. Methods: We present the preliminar results of a cross-sectional case-control study about the effect of cannabis on cognition, in patients suffering a FEP. We recruited a total of 41 FEP during the last two years. We investigated the theorical differences between those who were cannabis users (FEP-Cannabis+)(n=28) and not cannabis users (FEP-Cannabis-)(n=13). We included a control group with healthy subjects who were cannabis users (Healthy-Cannabis+)(n=24).Sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire was completed. The Screening Scale to evaluate Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry(SCIP-S) and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) were used. The consumption pattern was also evaluated. Results: In this study, cognitive impairment was found in FEP-Cannabis+, when compared with Healthy-Cannabis+.The most affected areas were immediate verbal learning (I-VL), delayed verbal learning (D-VL), processing speed (PS), and total score (TS). Significant differences were also observed in the cognitive profile of patients suffering FEP depending on their use of cannabis. FEP-Cannabis+) showed lower scores in PS, I-VL and TS. Conclusions: Although several prognostic factors have been identified in FEP, to date there are no reliable markers for predicting the possible evolution of high-risk mental states to a FEP. More investigations are necessary in order to elucidate the role of cannabis in the cognitive impairment. Disclosure: No significant relationships.