Case study: how the use and abuse of cannabis is related with organic brain damage and psychotic symptoms
Case study: how the use and abuse of cannabis is related with organic brain damage and psychotic symptoms

Summary/Abstract: Background: Many studies have been done in order to show that the use of Cannabis can cause psychotic symptoms and brain damage. The aim of this study is to investigate closely what symptoms are presented in chronic users of cannabis. Also, demonstrate with a clinical investigation that chronic use of cannabis (and withdrawal syndrome too) can cause organic brain damage and psychotic symptoms. Case presentation: Mr. K is a 31 years old man. He is from Nigeria. He graduated from college at Nigeria. Since 2009 he lives in Greece. He has a story of abuse of cannabis lasting 11 years, since his early 20s. He smokes cannabis daily, two (2) “trifoliate” cigarettes without adding tobacco with nicotine. The two (2) “trifoliate” cigarettes correspond to one (1 gr) gram of cannabis approximately. Methodology and results: During the interview his behavior did not give any information relating to psychiatric/psychological disorder or cerebral dysfunction. He answered openly and honestly all the questions. Through the appropriate questions for detecting clinical symptoms of psychopathology were observed some elements of psychological dysfunction. Also, he performed a set of neuropsychological tests to investigate, if he presents cerebral dysfunction. The tests showed that there were some elements of organic brain damage. With the help of the interview and tests, that are valid and reliable tools, we were able to identify and find the presence of psychotic symptoms and panic attacks which were directly related to the use of cannabis, as these occur under the influence of cannabis. Moreover, the chronic use of cannabis has caused him brain dysfunction.

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