Medical Cannabis and Psychiatric Disorders: Implications for Psychiatric Nurses

Author(s):  
Carla J. Groh

Objective: Cannabis use for medical condition has significantly increased over the past 20 years with 33 states and the District of Columbia passing laws legalizing medical cannabis. Five qualifying psychiatric disorders have been identified. The objective of this review article is to present a brief history of medical cannabis, the evidence for the qualifying psychiatric conditions, and to discuss the implications for psychiatric nurses. Method: A review of the literature on the five qualifying psychiatric disorders was conducted. Databases searched included CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, MedLine Plus, and EMBASE. Keywords were cannabis, medical cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinaol, cannabidiol, and psychiatric disorders. Results: The evidence that medical cannabis or cannabinoids is an effective treatment for the qualifying psychiatric disorders (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, agitation in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Tourette’s syndrome, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder) is too weak and of low quality to recommend as an intervention at this time. A discussion of the implications of these findings for psychiatric nurses is offered based on the published guidelines by the American Nurses Association and National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Conclusion: There is a significant gap between evidence supporting the effectiveness of medical cannabis for psychiatric disorders and patient interest and use of cannabis for such conditions as well as other psychiatric symptoms. There are tremendous opportunities for psychiatric nurses to make an impact both clinically and be conducting research in this emerging field. We need to educate ourselves and our patients about the benefits and risks of medical cannabis and to help patients make informed decisions about their health care.

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandler E. Gill ◽  
Katie Kompoliti

Tourette syndrome is a multifaceted disorder characterized by multiple motor and at least one vocal tics that start in childhood, persist for at least 1 year, and cannot be attributed to another medical condition or exposure to medications/drugs. Clinical diagnostic criteria are available, and identification of tics is typically straightforward based on characteristic appearance and features. Diagnostic uncertainty can rarely arise in cases of mild tics, atypical features, certain psychiatric comorbidities, and other non-tic movement disorders. Comorbid psychopathology, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive behaviors/obsessive-compulsive disorder, affects the majority of patients and is correlated with disease severity and the presence of additional psychiatric behaviors. The severity of tics often improves after adolescence, whereas psychiatric symptoms typically persist. The subset of patients in whom tics persist into adulthood experience higher rates of anxiety, and lower self-esteem, socioeconomic status, and quality of life; the relative contribution of motor tics and psychopathology is not fully understood. This article summarizes the clinical features of Tourette syndrome, including major diagnostic criteria, unique features of tics, and key aspects that differentiate tics from common mimics and chameleons. Comorbid psychiatric conditions and their impact on phenotype and quality of life are described. Finally, current understanding of the natural history is summarized, including limited research in adults with Tourette syndrome.


Author(s):  
Niels Hansen ◽  
◽  
Daniel Luedecke ◽  
Berend Malchow ◽  
Michael Lipp ◽  
...  

AbstractStudies show that psychiatric symptoms in adults and children are sometimes associated with serum neural autoantibodies. The significance of serum neural autoantibodies associated with psychiatric symptoms in children remains often unclear, but might be relevant for the extent and occurrence of psychiatric disease manifestation in later life, as well as therapy and outcome. For this narrative review, we sought articles listed in PubMed and published between 1988 and 2020 addressing the maternal–fetal transfer of neural autoantibodies and psychiatric disorders associated with serum neural autoantibodies. We identified six major subgroups of psychiatric disorders in children that are associated with serum neural autoantibodies: patients with attentional deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, psychosis and catatonia. Furthermore, we summarized study findings from maternal–fetal transfer of Contactin-associated protein-like 2, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and fetal brain autoantibodies associated with behavioral effects in animals and humans. We hypothesize that the maternal transfer of serum neuronal autoantibodies during or after birth could result (1) in the ignition of an autoimmune-mediated inflammation having neurodevelopmental consequences for their children (autoimmune-priming-attack hypothesis) and (2) has a potential impact on the later manifestation of psychiatric disorders. Through this narrative review, we propose a diagnostic pathway for the clinical diagnosis of a potentially autoimmune origin of psychiatric symptoms in children while considering recent guidelines.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernardo Dell’Osso ◽  
Humberto Nicolini ◽  
Nuria Lanzagorta ◽  
Beatrice Benatti ◽  
Gregorio Spagnolin ◽  
...  

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) showed a lower prevalence of cigarette smoking compared to other psychiatric disorders in previous and recent reports. We assessed the prevalence and clinical correlates of the phenomenon in an international sample of 504 OCD patients recruited through the International College of Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorders (ICOCS) network.Cigarette smoking showed a cross-sectional prevalence of 24.4% in the sample, with significant differences across countries. Females were more represented among smoking patients (16% vs 7%; p<.001). Patients with comorbid Tourette’s syndrome (p<.05) and tic disorder (p<.05) were also more represented among smoking subjects. Former smokers reported a higher number of suicide attempts (p<.05).We found a lower cross-sectional prevalence of smoking among OCD patients compared to findings from previous studies in patients with other psychiatric disorders but higher compared to previous and more recent OCD studies. Geographic differences were found and smoking was more common in females and comorbid Tourette’s syndrome/tic disorder.


2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
B Yengkokpam ◽  
SK Shah ◽  
GR Bhantana

This study was carried out among the patients working abroad and their family members, having various psychiatric disorders. 80 patients attending psychiatry OPD between the age of 15 to 65 years both male and female in the period of July 2009 to July 2010 were included. The results were tabulated as per the diagnostic criteria of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Out of total 80 patients, 41 were males and 39 were females, whose husbands were working abroad. 30 cases were of depression,out of which 16 were males and 14 were females.18 cases were having anxiety disorders out of which 5 were males and 13 were females. 12 cases were suffering from psychotic disorders out of which 10 were males and 2 were females.7 cases were having dissociative disorders with 1 male and 6 females.4 cases were having somatoform disorders with 2 males and 2 females.1 male and 1 female were suffering from mania.1 male and 1 female were suffering from bipolar affective disorder. 2 males were alcohol dependent and 2 males were having obsessive compulsive disorder. 1 male was having organic psychosis. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2011,Vol-6,No-4, 1-6 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v6i4.6718


2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerben J. Westerhof ◽  
Janny Beernink ◽  
Anneke Sools

Abstract This article describes an innovative intervention based on narrative and life review therapy that is tailored to people with intellectual disability (ID) and psychiatric problems. The current study provides a first evaluation of the intervention. A symptom checklist (SCL-90) was used in a pre- and post-follow-up design, and a qualitative evaluation of the intervention was carried out with 25 participants. Results showed large changes in psychiatric symptoms, in particular on depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and interpersonal sensitivity. Participants were mainly positive in their general explicit evaluations of the therapy as well as on personal learning points, intervention-specific, group-related, and therapist-related aspects. It is concluded that the intervention is promising for the treatment of people with ID and psychiatric complaints.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s225-s225 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Sun ◽  
S.H.W. So ◽  
C. Zhu ◽  
P.W.L. Leung

IntroductionIt is assumed that dysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs about one's thoughts increase problematic appraisals and coping behaviors, which further contribute to the development of mental disorders (Wells and Matthews, 1994; Wells, 2000). Although this research interest originated around generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), recent studies have begun to examine similar meta-cognitive processes in other disorders. The majority of studies using Meta-cognitions Questionnaire (MCQ; Cartwright-Hatton & Wells, 1997) and its variants to assess meta-cognitive beliefs.ObjectivesWe conducted a meta-analysis to integrate empirical findings on group differences in meta-cognitive beliefs between healthy individuals and patients with various psychiatric disorders.MethodsWe followed the PRISMA guideline (Liberati et al., 2009). A systematic literature search was conducted. We included studies that involved a diagnosed psychiatric group and healthy controls (aged 18 or above), reported group comparisons of metacognition, and were published during the period of 1990–27 August 2015. Effect sizes were computed.ResultsA final set of 43 studies was included. Large combined effect sizes were found on each subdomain of the MCQ, indicating increased levels of dysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs in patients. Subgroup analyses were carried out based on psychiatric diagnosis (i.e. psychosis, n = 10; GAD, n = 7; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, n = 15; anorexia nervosa, n = 5). All patient groups were more dysfunctional on each subtype of meta-cognitive beliefs than controls. Effect size of U/D was particularly large for GAD, and that of CSC was particularly large for OCD.ConclusionsDysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs are evident across several psychiatric disorders, with specific types of beliefs being more marked in certain diagnoses.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2013 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 436-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Rietveld ◽  
Sanneke de Haan ◽  
Damiaan Denys

AbstractWe propose to understand social affordances in the broader context of responsiveness to a field of relevant affordances in general. This perspective clarifies our everyday ability to unreflectively switch between social and other affordances. Moreover, based on our experience with Deep Brain Stimulation for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, we suggest that psychiatric disorders may affect skilled intentionality, including responsiveness to social affordances.


2010 ◽  
Vol 197 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Micali ◽  
I. Heyman ◽  
M. Perez ◽  
K. Hilton ◽  
E. Nakatani ◽  
...  

BackgroundObsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) often starts in childhood and adolescence and can be a chronic disorder with high persistence rates. There are few prospective long-term follow-up studies.AimsTo follow up young people with OCD to clarify persistence rates and relevant predictors, presence of other psychiatric disorders, functional impairment, service utilisation and perceived treatment needs.MethodAll young people with OCD assessed over 9 years at the National and Specialist Paediatric OCD clinic, Maudsley Hospital, London, were included. Sixty-one per cent (142 of 222) of all contactable young people and parents completed computerised diagnostic interviews and questionnaires.ResultsWe found a persistence rate of OCD of 41%; 40% of participants had a psychiatric diagnosis other than OCD at follow-up. The main predictor for persistent OCD was duration of illness at assessment. High levels of baseline psychopathology predicted other psychiatric disorders at follow-up. Functional impairment and quality of life were mildly to moderately affected. Approximately 50% of participants were still receiving treatment and about 50% felt a need for further treatment.ConclusionsThis study confirms that paediatric OCD can be a chronic condition that persists into adulthood. Early recognition and treatment might prevent chronicity. Important challenges for services are ensuring adequate treatment and a smooth transition from child to adult services.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 32-34,47-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Humberto Nicolini ◽  
Carlos Cruz ◽  
Beatriz Camarena ◽  
Francisco Páez ◽  
Juan Ramón De La Fuente

AbstractGenetic study holds potential for understanding the etiology of a number of serious psychiatric disorders. In the case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), many investigators agree that there is a strong genetic component to its development. In this article, we review the scientific evidence gleaned from different types of studies that has led to a better understanding of the nature of the inherited factors in OCD.


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