Found gene promotes the outbreak of psychosis through cannabis

Researchers are discovering why some cannabis users are more likely to develop psychosis
For a long time, it is not only physicians who are interested in the connection between cannabis and psychoses. Recent studies indicate that a gene called AKT1 affects whether individuals develop psychosis by using cannabis.

The effects of cannabis on the human psyche are not yet fully understood. Some researchers suggest that there is a link between the use of cannabis and the development of psychosis. Scientists from the University of Exeter and University College London have now conducted a study identifying a gene that affects how cannabis affects individuals. The results of the study were published in the journal "Translational Psychiatry".

A particular gene significantly influences the risk of psychosis in cannabis use. (Image: wollertz / fotolia.com)

Gene influences whether we develop psychosis
The study looked for the link between cannabis use and the development of psychosis. The scientists involved found that we humans carry a gene inside us that affects whether we develop a psychosis. The discovery could help identify those consumers who are most at risk of developing psychosis, the researchers explain. The gene found could thus help prevent and treat psychosis caused by the use of cannabis, the researchers say. The study also found that female cannabis smokers may be more susceptible to short-term memory loss.

People with ATK1 genotype are more affected by cannabis
The new results show that people with an AKT1 genotype are much more likely to experience strong cannabis smoking effects, even if they are otherwise completely healthy, says Professor Celia Morgan of the University of Exeter. To note that this gene variant also causes in healthy people that they are more susceptible to the mind-altering effect of cannabis, give evidence of an increased risk for certain individuals. According to the researchers, about one percent of cannabis users develop psychosis at some point. People who smoke cannabis every day, double the risk of developing a psychotic disorder, add the physicians. Previous research had already established a high prevalence of a particular variant of the AKT1 genotype in cannabis users with psychosis. However, it was not known how the gene and the effects of smoking cannabis are related, the experts explain.

Frequent psychotic reactions increase the risk of psychotic disorders
To find out, scientists tested 442 healthy young cannabis consumers. The subjects were studied, both under the influence of the drug and while they were fasting, the researchers explain. The extent of the symptoms of poisoning and the effects on memory loss were measured. First, when the participants were under the influence of cannabis. Then the experts compared their results with new tests that were conducted seven days later, when consumers were no longer under the influence of cannabis. People with the AKT1 gene variant were more likely to experience a psychotic reaction. More common psychotic reactions can be associated with an increased risk of developing a psychotic disorder, the researchers explain.

Genotype-related drugs could help prevent psychosis
Animal experiments have already shown that men possess more receptors that cannabis use. These are located in parts of the brain that are important for our short-term memory. They include the prefrontal cortex, explains Prof. Morgan. We need further research in this area, but our findings suggest that men are less sensitive to short-term memory loss, adds the physician. In the future, it may be possible to identify individuals most at risk for the negative effects of cannabis. Genotype-related drugs could then protect those affected from developing a psychotic disorder, despite the use of cannabis, say the scientists. Getting yourself into a psychotic or paranoid state over and over again by consuming cannabis could be the reason why these people are more likely to develop a psychosis, continues Prof. Morgan. Although cannabis-induced psychosis is very rare, it can have terrible effects on adolescent life. The new research paves the way for better prevention and treatment of psychosis through cannabis use, researchers say. (As)