What is the concerning trend regarding young people and psychotic illnesses?

Diagnoses of psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia, have significantly increased in teenagers and young adults, with new cases rising by 60% between 1997 and 2023.

What are the suspected causes of the rise in youth psychosis?

Leading suspected causes include increased substance use, particularly cannabis, social and financial stress, and difficult childhood experiences.

How is cannabis linked to psychosis in young people?

Studies indicate that teenage cannabis use can triple the risk of psychotic symptoms later in life, with potent forms like skunk potentially leading to persistent psychotic states.

Home / Health / Young Minds Under Threat: Psychosis Surges

Young Minds Under Threat: Psychosis Surges

2 Feb

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Summary

Teen psychosis diagnoses rose 60% between 1997 and 2023.
Earlier birth decades linked to significantly higher psychosis risk.
Cannabis use is a leading suspected cause of rising psychosis.

Young Minds Under Threat: Psychosis Surges

New research from Ontario highlights a significant rise in psychotic illnesses among young people. Hospital data revealed that diagnoses in teenagers and young adults, aged 14 to 20, increased by 60% from 1997 to 2023.

Individuals born from 2000 to 2004 are estimated to be 70% more likely to receive a schizophrenia diagnosis compared to those born in the late 1970s. Researchers are investigating potential causes, including increased substance use, particularly cannabis.

Lead author Dr. Daniel Myran noted that understanding the trends is critical for prevention and early intervention. Other possible contributing factors include rising social and financial stress, and childhood trauma.