Prospective associations between cannabis use, abuse, and dependence and panic attacks and disorder

J Psychiatr Res. 2008 Oct;42(12):1017-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2007.10.012. Epub 2008 Feb 20.

Abstract

The present study prospectively evaluated cannabis use, abuse, and dependence in relation to the development of panic attacks and panic disorder. Participants at the start of the study were adolescents (n=1709) with a mean age of 16.6 years (SD=1.2; time 1) and were re-assessed 1 year later (time 2) and then again as young adults (time 3; mean age=24.2 years, SD=0.6). Results indicated that cannabis use and dependence were significantly prospectively associated with an increased odds for the development of panic attacks and panic disorder. However, cannabis was not incrementally associated with the development of panic after controlling for daily cigarette smoking. The theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Comorbidity
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / diagnosis
  • Marijuana Abuse / epidemiology*
  • Marijuana Abuse / psychology
  • Odds Ratio
  • Panic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Panic Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Panic Disorder / psychology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Research Design / standards
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires