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Young Minds Under Threat: Psychosis Surges
2 Feb
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.
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.
While improved diagnostics might play a role, the surge in cannabis-related psychosis cases is a growing concern. Potent forms of cannabis, like skunk, are linked to increased paranoia and hallucinations, potentially leading to persistent psychotic states.
Recent incidents, including a murder linked to cannabis-induced psychosis, underscore the severity of the issue. Studies show teenage cannabis use can triple the risk of psychotic symptoms later in life, emphasizing the need for further investigation into this public health challenge.
