Structural Brain Alterations in Cannabis Users: Association with Cognitive Deficits and Psychiatric Symptoms

  • Nadia Solowij
  • Murat Yücel
  • Valentina Lorenzetti
  • Dan I. Lubman
Chapter

Abstract

This chapter will review the evidence for structural brain alterations in cannabis users and consider this in the context of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. While previous research failed to identify structural brain abnormalities in human cannabis users, more recent studies using high resolution imaging techniques combined with more robust delineations of specifi c brain regions in very heavy cannabis users have revealed evidence of dose-related alterations in regions implicated in schizophrenia. Moreover, these regional brain volumetric reductions are of similar magnitude to those seen in schizophrenia. We discuss the association between cannabis use and the development of cognitive defi cits and psychiatric symptoms in relation to structural brain alterations. We propose that long term heavy cannabis use leads to structural brain changes and associated deleterious functional (cognitive and mental health) sequelae that resemble schizophrenia. These changes may occur not only in individuals who are vulnerable to the development of such disorders, but also in nonvulnerable individuals if cannabis is used heavily for prolonged periods.

Keywords

Marijuana brain structure schizophrenia psychotic symptoms neuropsychology cognition mental health 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2009

Authors and Affiliations

  • Nadia Solowij
    • 1
  • Murat Yücel
    • 2
  • Valentina Lorenzetti
    • 3
  • Dan I. Lubman
    • 4
  1. 1.School of Psychology and Illawarra Institute for Mental HealthUniversity of Wollongong, Wollongong, and Affi liated Scientist, Schizophrenia Research InstituteSydneyAustralia
  2. 2.Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, National Neuroscience FacilityMelbourneAustralia
  3. 3.Department of PsychiatryThe University of Melbourne and Melbourne HealthAustralia
  4. 4.Department of PsychiatryUniversity of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia

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