A review found adolescents with mood disorders are more likely to use cannabis and develop cannabis use disorder, with each condition potentially worsening the other during a critical developmental period.
adolescent psychiatrists, pediatricians, school counselors, parents
What the researchers found
Adolescents with mood disorders have higher rates of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder. Cannabis use during adolescence can worsen mood disorder outcomes, while mood disorders increase vulnerability to problematic cannabis use. The review covers assessment and treatment considerations for this comorbid population.
Why it matters
Adolescence is a period of active brain development when both mood disorders and cannabis use commonly emerge. Understanding their interaction is critical for clinicians treating either condition in this age group.
The numbers in context
Cannabis: most commonly used illicit substance among adolescents. Adolescents with mood disorders: higher rates of cannabis use and CUD. Bidirectional relationship: each condition worsens the other.
How the study worked
Narrative review exploring the assessment, prevalence, and management of comorbid cannabis use and mood disorders among adolescents.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review without systematic methodology. Predominantly observational evidence base. Cannot establish definitive causation in the bidirectional relationship. Treatment recommendations limited by available trial data in adolescents.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive narrative review integrating clinical and research literature, but non-systematic methodology limits to moderate.
When this study was published
Contemporary review of adolescent comorbidity literature.
The bigger picture
The bidirectional relationship between cannabis use and mood disorders in adolescents creates a potentially self-reinforcing cycle that requires integrated treatment approaches addressing both conditions simultaneously.
Questions still open
- Do integrated treatment programs for comorbid cannabis use and mood disorders improve outcomes?
- Does treating the mood disorder reduce cannabis use, or vice versa?
Common questions
Does cannabis cause depression in teenagers?
Should teens with depression avoid cannabis?
Read the original research
Comorbid Cannabis Use and Mood Disorders Among Adolescents.
Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 23(2), 133-140
Citation
Strong, Stephane J; Thomas, Halle A; Adams, Zachary W; Hulvershorn, Leslie A. (2025). Comorbid Cannabis Use and Mood Disorders Among Adolescents.. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 23(2), 133-140. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20240049
Explore the wider topic
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