Cannabis linked to bipolar symptoms in young adults

Adolescent cannabis use is an independent risk factor for future hypomania - often experienced as part of bipolar disorder - finds new research led by University of Warwick. First research to robustly test the association between adolescent cannabis use and hypomania (periods of elated mood, over-active and excited behaviour, reduced need for sleep) in early adulthood. Teenage cannabis use at least 2-3 times weekly is directly associated with suffering from symptoms of hypomania in later years. 2.6% of the UK population report having been cannabis dependent in the last year Cannabis use in youth is linked to bipolar symptoms in young adults, finds new research by the University of Warwick. Researchers from Warwick Medical School found that adolescent cannabis use is an independent risk factor for future hypomania - periods of elated mood, over-active and excited behaviour, and reduced need for sleep that are often experienced as part of bipolar disorder, and have a significant impact on day-to-day life. Led by Dr Steven Marwaha, a clinical academic Psychiatrist, the research analysed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children and found that teenage cannabis use at least 2-3 times weekly is directly associated with suffering from symptoms of hypomania in later years. There was a dose response relationship such that any use still increased the risk but less powerfully.