Probing the Cannabinoid System in Individuals With a Family History of Psychosis

Probing the Cannabinoid System in Individuals With a Family History of Psychosis

The overall purpose of this study is to determine whether a family history of psychosis is associated with an altered cannabinoid system. This will be tested by studying individuals with and without a family history of psychosis and comparing their responses to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a probe of the cannabinoid system. We hypothesize, that compared to controls with no family history of psychoses, individuals with a family history of psychoses will have an altered response to THC.

Inclusion Criteria FHP:

• Exposure to cannabis at least once in their lifetime
• Medically and psychiatrically healthy based on screening
• Having one relative with a confirmed psychotic disorder

Exclusion Criteria FHP:

• Current or lifetime major DSM-IV Axis I disorder
• Current or lifetime treatment (at least 6 months) with psychotropic medications for major psychiatric or neurological illness
• Major or unstable medical illness that might impact safety of the subject in the study
• Cannabis naive
• IQ less than 85
• Less than a high school diploma or its educational equivalent
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Major current or recent (<6 weeks) psychosocial stressors.

Inclusion Criteria FHN :

• Exposure to cannabis at least once in their lifetime
• Medically and psychiatrically healthy based on screening

Exclusion Criteria FHN:

• Having a family member with psychosis
• Current or lifetime major DSM-IV Axis I disorder
• Current or lifetime treatment (at least 6 months) with psychotropic medications for major psychiatric or neurological illness
• Major or unstable medical illness that might impact safety of the subject in the study
• Cannabis naive
• IQ less than 85
• Less than a high school diploma or its educational equivalent
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Major current or recent (<6 weeks) psychosocial stressors.