Cannabis use and subclinical psychosis traits were linked phenotypically, with some genetic overlap
Cannabis use and schizotypy (subclinical psychosis traits) were positively correlated across 11 of 12 measured pairs, and one significant genetic correlation was found between social anhedonia and cannabis use frequency.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Positive phenotypic correlations (range 0.05-0.18) were found between 11 of 12 cannabis use and schizotypy trait pairs in UK Biobank. The only significant genetic correlation was negative: social anhedonia was inversely correlated with number of times used cannabis (rg = -0.30), suggesting those genetically predisposed to social anhedonia used cannabis less frequently.
Key Numbers
11 of 12 phenotypic correlations were positive (range 0.05-0.18). Social anhedonia heritability: 0.08. "Ever seen an unreal vision" heritability: 0.35. Genetic correlation between social anhedonia and cannabis use frequency: rg = -0.30.
How They Did This
Phenotypic correlations calculated in UK Biobank. SNP-based heritability estimates and genetic correlations computed using genome-wide association study data. Multiple schizotypy phenotypes and cannabis use variables were analyzed.
Why This Research Matters
The well-established link between cannabis and full psychotic disorders may extend to subclinical psychosis traits in the general population. Understanding the genetic architecture of this relationship could help identify who is most at risk.
The Bigger Picture
If the cannabis-psychosis link extends to subclinical traits in the general population, it could inform screening approaches and help identify individuals who should be more cautious about cannabis use.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small genetic sample sizes for some schizotypy measures limited statistical power. UK Biobank participants skew older and healthier than the general population. Self-reported cannabis use and psychosis-like experiences may be underreported.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does the negative genetic correlation with social anhedonia mean that some genetic factors protect against both traits?
- ?Would larger samples reveal additional genetic overlaps?
- ?How do these findings apply to younger populations with more active cannabis use?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 11 of 12 cannabis-schizotypy pairs showed positive correlation
- Evidence Grade:
- Large population sample (UK Biobank) with genetic analyses, but limited by small subsample sizes for some phenotypes and cross-sectional design.
- Study Age:
- 2020 genetic study. Extends cannabis-psychosis research to subclinical traits and general population genetics.
- Original Title:
- Exploring Phenotypic and Genetic Overlap Between Cannabis Use and Schizotypy.
- Published In:
- Twin research and human genetics : the official journal of the International Society for Twin Studies, 23(4), 221-227 (2020)
- Authors:
- Vaissiere, James, Thorp, Jackson G, Ong, Jue-Sheng(3), Ortega-Alonzo, Alfredo, Derks, Eske M
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02889
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is schizotypy?
Schizotypy refers to subclinical personality traits that resemble milder forms of psychosis symptoms, such as unusual perceptual experiences, social withdrawal, and magical thinking. These traits exist on a spectrum in the general population.
What does the negative genetic correlation mean?
The genetic factors associated with social anhedonia (reduced pleasure from social interaction) were inversely associated with cannabis use frequency, meaning people genetically predisposed to social withdrawal tended to use cannabis less often.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02889APA
Vaissiere, James; Thorp, Jackson G; Ong, Jue-Sheng; Ortega-Alonzo, Alfredo; Derks, Eske M. (2020). Exploring Phenotypic and Genetic Overlap Between Cannabis Use and Schizotypy.. Twin research and human genetics : the official journal of the International Society for Twin Studies, 23(4), 221-227. https://doi.org/10.1017/thg.2020.68
MLA
Vaissiere, James, et al. "Exploring Phenotypic and Genetic Overlap Between Cannabis Use and Schizotypy.." Twin research and human genetics : the official journal of the International Society for Twin Studies, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1017/thg.2020.68
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Exploring Phenotypic and Genetic Overlap Between Cannabis Us..." RTHC-02889. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/vaissiere-2020-exploring-phenotypic-and-genetic
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.