Joint Effects: A Pilot Investigation of the Impact of Bipolar Disorder and Marijuana Use on Cognitive Function and Mood

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157060
• Publication Date: 2016-06-08T13:48:36Z
• Authors: Kelly A. Sagar; M. Kathryn Dahlgren; Megan T. Racine; Meredith W. Dreman; David P. Olson; Staci A. Gruber
• Keywords: Bipolar I disorder; Affect

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in those diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. However, there conflicting evidence as to whether marijuana may alleviate or exacerbate mood symptomatology. As disorder and use are individually associated cognitive impairment, it also remains unclear an additive effect on cognition when patients marijuana. The current study aimed determine impact of examine confers additional negative function. Twelve who smoke (MJBP), 18 do not (BP), 23 smokers without other Axis 1 pathology (MJ), 21 healthy controls (HC) completed a neuropsychological battery. Further, using ecological momentary assessment, participants rated their three times daily well after each instance over four-week period. Results revealed that although MJ, BP, MJBP groups exhibited some degree impairment relative HCs, no significant differences between BP were apparent, providing BPD MJ cognition. Additionally, assessment analyses indicated alleviation symptoms group use; experienced substantial decrease composite measure symptoms. Findings suggest for patients, result partial clinical Moreover, this improvement at expense impairment.