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Study register · detail Populationsbasierte Longitudinalstudie · Depression Risk · 2008

Does cannabis use lead to depression and suicidal behaviours? A population-based longitudinal study

Pedersen et al. ·Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
Mixed GRADE Low 141 citations
Samplen = 2.033 Pat.
Duration13-year follow-up
ControlNo or lower cannabis use
EndpointDepression and suicidal…
Blindingn.a.
DesignPopulationsbasierte Longitudinalstudie
Key finding

Cannabis use is associated with later suicidal ideation and attempts, but not with depression.

Summary

Population-based 13-year longitudinal study (n=2.033 Norwegians, adolescence to late twenties): Cannabis exposure in early adolescence NOT associated with later depression. In adulthood (twenties) significant association with suicide attempts at intensive use (≥11×/12 months): OR=2,9 (95% CI 1,3-6,1) after adjustment for confounders. Finding: cannabis does not per se lead to depression, but is associated with later suicidal ideation/attempts.

P
PopulationYoung Norwegians (cohort, early adolescence to late 20s), n=2033
I
InterventionCannabis use (frequency in the last 12 months, incl. 11+ times)
C
ControlNo or lower cannabis use
O
OutcomeSignificant association with suicidal ideation and attempts in the twenties; OR=2,9 (95% CI 1,3–6,1) for later suicide attempts at 11+ use occasions; no association with depression
Confidence in the evidence
Low

The second of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is of limited reliability.

Quality profile
Sample size ★★★★★
Blinding —
Effect size Mixed
Citations / year ★★★★★
Authors
Pedersen W
DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2008.01259.x↗
Design: Populationsbasierte Longitudinalstudie
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Abstract
<h4>Objective</h4>This study investigates the relationship between cannabis use and later depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a cohort of young Norwegians.<h4>Method</h4>Data were gathered through the Young in Norway longitudinal study, in which a population-based sample of 2033 Norwegians were followed up over a 13-year period, from their early teens to their late twenties. Data were gathered on: (a) exposure to cannabis use; and (b) depression, suicide ideation and suicide attempts. In addition, information about possible confounding factors was included.<h4>Results</h4>In early adolescence, no associations with later depression or suicidal behaviours were observed. In the sample's twenties, we observed highly significant associations with suicide ideation and suicide attempts. When adjusting for confounders, the OR was 2.9 (95% CI 1.3-6.1) for later suicide attempts in the group who had used cannabis 11+ times during the past 12 months.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The findings suggest that exposure to cannabis by itself does not lead to depression but that it may be associated with later suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Indication
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