Relationship between cannabis use, schizotypal traits, and cognitive function in healthy subjects

This research examined the relationship between cannabis use and schizotypa l features. A sample of cannabis users (n = 20) was compared with a matched control group (n = 20). All participants were male students of the Univers ity of Hamburg. Subjects completed the Perceptual Aberration Scale and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. A Negative Priming procedure and the Trail Making Test were carried out. A urine sample was obtained from each subject. Cannabis users exceeded controls in schizotypy scores and showed i mpaired neuropsychological parameters. Only within the cannabis group schiz otypy scores correlated with neuropsychological parameters. Furthermore, ca nnabis users reported more often high-risk factors than controls. These fin dings indicate that among cannabis users there is an increased number of su bjects with schizotypal features; schizotypal subjects seem to be more like ly to use cannabis than the general population. Therefore, cannabis use may be a vulnerability indicator for schizophrenia. Copyright (C) 2001 S.Karge r AG, Basel.