Overview
The session will include an exploration of the latest clinical research on cannabis use and its management in relation to psychosis, an introduction to the trace amine associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonists and a discussion of the interrelationship between clozapine use and mortality.
Dr Di Forti will summarise the evidence relating cannabis use to onset and persistence of psychotic illness, a hugely topical area globally . She will also introduce the Cannabis Clinic for people with Psychosis (CCP). This is the first clinical service in UK supporting people with psychosis who use cannabis to reduce or stop their use. Preliminary outcome data from the first group of patients, who completed the CCP intervention, indicate that 80% of them stopped using cannabis and 20% reduced from daily to once a week use. All patients experienced an improvement in mood, anxiety, psychotic symptoms as well as level of functioning. Cannabis use is the most modifiable risk factor for poor outcome in psychosis. Therefore for Psychiatry investing in interventions that support young adults with psychosis to reduce/stop their cannabis use should be a secondary prevention priority.
Dr Rutigliano will explore the latest research on trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonists and their potential as novel therapeutic agents for mental health conditions. She will discuss their mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety profiles, and the promising role these compounds may play in treating disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.
Prof MacCabe will present the latest evidence regarding the impact of clozapine use on mortality in the context of the increased mortality associated with schizophrenia, reviewing the pharmacoepidemiological and pharmacovigilance data and the biases that can affect these data, and addressing the apparent disparity in mortality between the UK and other countries and recent UK press reports claiming that clozapine is associated with increased mortality.
Objectives:
Attendees will:
- derive a better understanding of the relationship between cannabis use and persistent psychotic symptoms and learn about a novel clinic for cannabis users with psychosis
- gain an understanding of the current position of TAAR1 agonists as possible novel therapeutic agents
- learn about the relationship between clozapine and mortality.
Speakers
Chair: Professor James MacCabe, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London
Professor James MacCabe, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London
Dr Marta Di Forti, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London
Dr Grazia Rutigliano, King's College London, London
