A brain imaging study of dopamine receptor D2 availability in cannabis dependent users after recovery from cannabis-induced psychosis
Frontiers in Psychiatry October 27, 2023 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1230760 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPeople who stopped using cannabis after experiencing cannabis-induced psychosis and received four months of treatment showed no difference in dopamine D2 receptor availability in the caudate region of the striatum compared to former MDMA users and healthy controls. This suggests minimal lasting effects of cannabis-induced psychosis on dopamine reward mechanisms. A possible reduction in D2 receptor availability in the right putamen was observed, which may reflect a residual effect of antipsychotic medication rather than the psychosis itself.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 25 |
| Population | Abstinent ex cannabis-dependent users treated for cannabis-induced psychosis, abstinent ex MDMA abusers, and healthy control participants |
| Duration | 4-month inpatient treatment |
| Topics | Cannabis CBD MDMA |
| Keywords | Psychosis Dopamine Psychiatry Psychology Putamen |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key finding | No difference in dopamine D2 receptor availability in the caudate was found between abstinent cannabis users with prior psychosis, abstinent MDMA users, and healthy controls. |
Abstract
There is increased risk of psychosis associated with cannabis use disorder and the interaction of THC with dopamine neurotransmission is complex. It is important to investigate the recovery from cannabis-induced psychosis and its effects on the brain’s dopamine neurotransmission. This study was to evaluate dopamine receptor D 2 availability in the striatum (caudate/putamen) in recently abstinent cannabis dependent users after recovery from psychosis in comparison with abstinent MDMA “ecstasy” abusers and healthy control participants. Participants were eight abstinent ex cannabis-dependent users who were treated for cannabis-induced psychosis with anti-psychotic medication and psychosocial support for 4 months in an inpatient treatment center for drug users. They were compared with nine abstinent ex MDMA “ecstasy” abusers who received medication and psycho-social treatment for 4 months at the same treatment facility and eight healthy control participants. All participants were scanned with bolus and constant infusion of [ 123 I] Iodobenzamide (IBZM) in Single Photon Computed Tomography (SPECT). Cannabis abstinent users who were treated for cannabis-induced psychotic episodes showed no difference in dopamine D 2 receptor availability in the caudate compared with abstinent MDMA “ecstasy” abusers and healthy control participants. This finding indicates minimal effects of cannabis-induced psychosis on dopamine reward mechanisms. There is evidence for reduced D 2 receptor availability measures in the right putamen (uncorrected) which may indicate a residual effect of anti-psychotic medication.