Wendel Abel

Often when we speak of madness, we are referring to schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a form of mental disorder that is associated with hallucinations (seeing things and hearing voices); false beliefs (beliefs that others are against them and trying to harm them) and strange behaviour (social withdrawal, not talking much and not attending to personal hygiene).

Studies indicate higher rates of ganja use among persons with schizophrenia.

1. Does ganja cause schizophrenia?

In order to establish that ganja causes schizophrenia, it must be shown to be a necessary cause and a sufficient cause.

Harold has used ganja for 20 years. He is a successful businessman with a stable family. He has never been ill. Many Jamaicans like Harold use ganja and never get ill.

Mary developed schizophrenia at age 19 while in university. She was a devout Christian.

Ganja use is not a sufficient cause for schizophrenia as the majority of persons like Harold who use ganja do not develop schizophrenia.

Ganja is not a necessary cause for developing schizophrenia as not all adults, like Mary, who develop schizophrenia use ganja.

Ganja is a component cause of schizophrenia: This means that it is only one of several factors that may cause schizophrenia. Other causes of schizophrenia include genetics and brain damage.

2. Ganja increases the risk of schizophrenia in persons who are vulnerable.

John has two brothers and an uncle who were diagnosed with schizophrenia. He started using ganja at age 23 and later developed schizophrenia. John was vulnerable to having schizophrenia as it runs in his family. The use of ganja has caused him to develop schizophrenia due to the fact that he was vulnerable.

3. Ganja use makes schizophrenia worse.

Tim never used ganja. He developed schizophrenia at age 22. Since then, he has been using ganja on and off. Whenever his ganja use increases, he becomes aggressive and complains that others are trying to kill him.

Studies indicate that in persons like Tim who have schizophrenia, the use of ganja worsens the condition.

a. Ganja use results in more symptoms and makes the symptoms more severe.

b. Ganja use worsens the outcome and causes more relapses.

c. Ganja use makes treatment more difficult.

4. Ganja use as self-medication

Courtney, a bright young man, started to show decline in his school performance at age 13. He became withdrawn and quiet. He appeared depress most of the times. Then, he started to use ganja, which he stated made him feel better. His mother noted that his condition worsened when he used ganja.

Poor school performance and withdrawal may be early signs of schizophrenia. Many adolescents like Courtney, especially in the early stages of the disease, use ganja to reduce some of the strange symptoms they experience. At the same time, the ganja may worsen the condition.

Treatment of persons who have schizophrenia and use ganja

1. Have your family member evaluated for any behaviour change and poor school performance.

2. Do not resist treatment. It is difficult to accept that one has a mental illness and many persons hate taking medication. The fact is that early recognition and treatment of mental disorders result in better outcome.

3. For persons who use ganja and have schizophrenia, do not focus on the ganja use alone, also focus on the treatment of the mental disorder; this is associated with better outcome.

4. Ganja dependence is difficult to treat. The preaching and teaching does not help. A judgmental or confrontational approach does not help. Motivational strategies help. You may need to refer your family member to a mental health professional. The use of 'abstinence vouchers' may also be helpful.

5. The drug clozapine has been shown to be effective especially in schizophrenics who use ganja. Ask your psychiatrist or doctor about this drug.

For more information call 922- 3216.