F12.251

Clinical Causes: Chronic or heavy cannabis use over an extended period Genetic predisposition to mental health disorders History of psychiatric illnesses in family members Environmental stressors or traumatic experiences Concurrent use of other psychoactive substances Pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities

Key Symptoms: Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there Persistent craving or compulsive use of cannabis despite negative consequences Withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, or sleep difficulties when not using cannabis Disorganized thoughts or speech Paranoia or suspiciousness Changes in mood, such as depression or agitation Impaired social or occupational functioning

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosing this condition involves a comprehensive clinical assessment, including patient history, mental health evaluation, and possibly physical examinations. Mental health professionals look for signs of cannabis dependence, which include a pattern of problematic use, withdrawal symptoms, and inability to control consumption. They also evaluate for psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and assess their relation to cannabis use. Standardized questionnaires and psychiatric interviews assist in confirming the diagnosis, with criteria aligning to ICD-10 guidelines.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options generally involve a combination of approaches aimed at managing both the substance dependence and the psychotic symptoms: - **Detoxification programs** to safely reduce or cease cannabis use under medical supervision - **Psychotherapy**, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to address substance dependency and psychotic symptoms - **Medication management**, which may include antipsychotics to control hallucinations and other psychotic features - **Support groups** and ongoing counseling to reinforce recovery and prevent relapse - **Integrated treatment plans** tailored to individual needs, often involving coordinated mental health and substance abuse services Recovery involves ongoing support, medication adherence, and therapy to stabilize mental health and minimize the risk of relapse into dependence or psychosis.