Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Does Marijuana Cause Schizophrenia?

About a year and a half ago my husband went through a phase for a couple of months where he thought everyone around him was mimicking him. Even people we did not know. He was convinced they were emphasizing his behaviors like tapping his foot, coughing, licking lips, etc. He went on like this for about 4 months, and talked about running away from it all. Since then he has been diagnosed with ADD, bipolar, depression, and anxiety. He also has memory issues. He says the memory issues are from abusing marijuana so much in his youth. I read somewhere that this can also cause schizophrenia. Is it possible to go years between schizophrenic episodes? Could he be schizophrenic?
posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014
Twitter Tue, 16 Dec 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 17 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

He started believing that everyone around him was mimicking him. He developed such ideas for the people he didn't know. Most likely these symptoms were ideas of reference. Though more detailed history is needed to make diagnosis of proper delusions. Delusions are main feature of psychotic illnesses and schizophrenia. He has been diagnosed with ADD, Bipolar, depression and anxiety. There is history of marijuana intake in his young years also.
Yes marijuana can precipitate acute transient psychotic disorder (ATPD), but after so many years it is very uncommon.

The symptoms he has can be explained by either his depression with psychosis or due to some side effects of drug. He has memory issues also, so dementia can be a possibility. But for proper diagnosis detailed evaluation is needed and consult a psychiatrist for that.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Does Marijuana Cause Schizophrenia?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM He started believing that everyone around him was mimicking him. He developed such ideas for the people he didn t know. Most likely these symptoms were ideas of reference. Though more detailed history is needed to make diagnosis of proper delusions. Delusions are main feature of psychotic illnesses and schizophrenia. He has been diagnosed with ADD, Bipolar, depression and anxiety. There is history of marijuana intake in his young years also. Yes marijuana can precipitate acute transient psychotic disorder (ATPD), but after so many years it is very uncommon. The symptoms he has can be explained by either his depression with psychosis or due to some side effects of drug. He has memory issues also, so dementia can be a possibility. But for proper diagnosis detailed evaluation is needed and consult a psychiatrist for that. Thanks, hope this helps you.