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  • Cannabis use and bipolar disorder with Alexander Denissoff

Cannabis use and bipolar disorder with Alexander Denissoff

Thursday 30th June 2022

Dr. Alexander Denissoff discusses his research on the link between early cannabis use and bipolar disorder in this episode of Addiction Audio.
21 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Educational
Insightful
Engaging

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The Complex Link Between Cannabis Use and Bipolar Disorder: A Conversation with Dr. Alexander Denissoff

Firstly, it is known that ingested exogenous cannabinoids may produce altered mood states, as data from randomized controlled trials indicate that the characteristic intoxidrome produced by thc involves euphoria and elevated mood states, such as is seen in bipolar disorder.
How does early cannabis use relate to the development of bipolar disorder later in life? Dr. Alexander Denissoff dives into this intricate topic in a thought-provoking episode of Addiction Audio. Drawing from his recent research, Dr. Denissoff examines the potential associations between cannabis use and bipolar disorder, utilizing the extensive data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort.
This cohort study is remarkable, encompassing 99% of all live births in the two northern-most provinces of Finland between July 1985 and June 1986, originally including 9,432 children. Dr. Denissoff sheds light on why previous studies may have fallen short and discusses the unique strengths of his research. One key finding is that the association between cannabis use and bipolar disorder weakens when other factors like frequent alcohol intoxications, illicit drug use, and daily smoking are taken into account.
However, he points out that early cannabis use can still be a signal of potential mental health issues down the line. This episode doesn't shy away from the challenges of studying such a complex relationship. Dr. Denissoff emphasizes the importance of comprehensive data, including urine drug screens, to get a clearer picture of cannabis exposure. He also highlights the need for ongoing research to fully understand these associations and their implications for mental health.
Whether you're a researcher, clinician, or someone with personal experience in addiction or mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and underscores the importance of thorough, nuanced research in understanding the long-term impacts of cannabis use.