Managing mental health disorders in adolescent cannabis users
As a follow-up to REACH’s article about youth cannabis use and harm reduction, we asked child and adolescent psychiatrist Blair Ritchie, MD, FRCPC, to walk us through what clinicians should know when diagnosing and treating mental health disorders among youth cannabis users.
Managing mental health disorders in adolescent cannabis users | Image Credit: © YARphotographer - stock.adobe.com.
As cannabis use among youth becomes increasingly common, pediatric primary care providers are more likely to see patients who use cannabis while also struggling with mental health disorders. Research shows clear associations with anxiety and depression, and up to one in five young users develop cannabis use disorder.
In this article, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Blair Ritchie highlights what clinicians should know when supporting this population. Key considerations include monitoring for medication interactions, screening with tools like the CRAFFT, and applying evidence-based approaches such as family-based therapy, motivational interviewing, and CBT.
Dr. Ritchie emphasizes that PCPs don’t need to be substance use experts to help. By addressing comorbid conditions, providing guidance, and connecting families to resources, clinicians can improve outcomes for adolescents at risk.
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