Connection between Schizophrenia and Cannabis Abuse - Research Paper Example

The aim of this study was to evaluate the misuse of cannabis in patients with schizophrenia and review the current knowledge as well as identify knowledge gaps on the possibility of links between cannabis misuse and the exasperation of symptoms in these patients. Data necessary for the review was obtained from various studies pertaining to the topic. The studies included were all types- meta-analysis, cross-sectional, longitudinal, retrospective and systematic analysis. The data was analyzed based on content and hence can be called content analysis.

The articles were critically analyzed and the inference drawn based on the thematic analysis. The conclusion made based on content analysis is that there is a definite association between cannabis misuse and schizophrenia. Cannabis misuse causes schizophrenia when started at an early age especially in men. It also precipitates acute psychotic symptoms in those already diagnosed to have schizophrenia and in those who have genetic liability to psychotic diseases. On the other hand, schizophrenia can lead to cannabis misuse due to easy availability of the drug in the community, due to the mental state of the individual and for self-medication purpose.

The conclusions from the analysis were implicated for clinical practice and recommendations for practice and research were dealt upon. The aim of the study is to evaluate the misuse of cannabis in patients with schizophrenia and review the current knowledge as well as identify knowledge gaps on the possibility of links between cannabis misuse and the exasperation of symptoms in these patients. The review will focus on research studies that either prove or dispel any linkage between misuse of cannabis and schizophrenia when compared to patients with schizophrenia who do not use cannabis.

The review will also elaborate on the discussion based on the critical analysis of the literature and will seek to establish the validity and reliability of the findings from the reviewed studies. There will be research-based arguments and explanations for the prevailing phenomenon and the possible roles played by nature and nurture in rendering some age groups more susceptible to cannabis misuse and vulnerable to mentally disordered criminal offending will be looked into. The study will culminate in recommendations that could advise and inform nursing practice on a novel and innovative clinical approaches in dealing with patients who misuse cannabis like sustained educational programmes which can project the wide range of impairment in physical and psychological health.

Research-based or best practice-based solutions will be highlighted as constant reminders for nursing practitioners and other health professionals dealing with illicit drug addicts and mental health patients.