Young adults at risk for psychosis demonstrate diminished brain connectivity, and a recent study indicates that cannabis use may exacerbate this issue. This significant discovery could lead to new treatment options for psychosis, addressing symptoms that existing medications fail to target.
Young adults at risk for psychosis demonstrate diminished brain connectivity, and a recent study indicates that cannabis use may exacerbate this issue. This significant discovery could lead to new treatment options for psychosis, addressing symptoms that existing medications fail to target.
In a groundbreaking study conducted by McGill University researchers, a noticeable decline in synaptic density—the connections between neurons that facilitate brain communication—was observed in individuals at risk of psychosis when compared to a healthy control group.
“Not all cannabis users will develop psychosis, but some face significant risks. Our research sheds light on the reasons behind this,” stated Dr. Romina Mizrahi, the senior author of the study and a professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry.
“Cannabis seems to interfere with the brain’s natural mechanism of refining and reducing synapses, which is crucial for proper brain development.”
New treatment possibilities
Utilizing state-of-the-art brain scanning technology, the research team examined 49 participants aged 16 to 30, which included individuals experiencing recent psychotic symptoms alongside those identified as being at high risk. The findings, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggest that lower synaptic density correlates with social withdrawal and lack of motivation—symptoms that are often challenging to address.
“Current medications primarily focus on treating hallucinations, but they fail to tackle the symptoms that hinder social interactions, work, or academic pursuits,” explained Belen Blasco, the first author and a PhD student in McGill’s Integrated Program in Neuroscience. “By concentrating on synaptic density, we may eventually create therapies that improve social functioning and overall quality of life for affected individuals.”
Although cannabis is recognized as a risk factor for developing psychosis, which can lead to schizophrenia, this study represents the first instance of researchers measuring structural changes in the brains of a high-risk group in real-time.
The next phase of the research will investigate whether the identified brain changes could serve as indicators for predicting the onset of psychosis, potentially allowing for earlier intervention.
This study was carried out at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute and McGill University’s Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital with support from the Canadian Institute of Health Research.
