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Teenage cannabis use linked to symptoms of bipolar disorder later in life, study finds

Teenagers who smoke cannabis are more likely to develop symptoms of bipolar disorder later in life, new research has suggested.

Research by the University of Warwick suggests that using cannabis at least two or three times a week as a teenager is linked to developing symptoms of hypomania – periods of elated mood, over-active and excited behaviour, and reduced need for sleep – which are often experienced as part of bipolar disorder, later in life.

The research, which analysed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, is the first to look at the link between adolescent cannabis use and hypomania in early adulthood.

Researchers from Warwick Medical School found that adolescent cannabis use is an independent risk factor for future hypomania and has a significant impact on day-to-day life.

<em>Bipolar – smoking cannabis as a teen can increase the likelihood of developing symptoms of bipolar disorder later in life (Picture: Getty)</em>
Bipolar – smoking cannabis as a teen can increase the likelihood of developing symptoms of bipolar disorder later in life (Picture: Getty)

Dr Steven Marwaha, a clinical academic psychiatrist who led the research, said: “Cannabis use in young people is common and associated with psychiatric disorders. However, the prospective link between cannabis use and bipolar disorder symptoms has rarely been investigated.

“Adolescent cannabis use may be an independent risk factor for future hypomania, and the nature of the association suggests a potential causal link. As such it might be a useful target for indicated prevention of hypomania.”

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The findings suggest that frequent adolescent cannabis use could be a target for interventions that may prevent the risk of young people developing bipolar disorder.

Cannabis is one of the most commonly-used illegal substances of abuse in western countries – with 2.6% of the UK population reporting being dependant on the drug in the last year.

(Top picture: SWNS)