A systematic review found only 5 randomized trials examining integrated treatment for psychiatric disorders in cannabis-using youth, covering depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD, revealing a critical evidence gap.
Child and adolescent psychiatrists, addiction treatment researchers, and clinical guideline developers
Only 5 RCTs exist for treating mental health + cannabis use in youth
What the researchers found
Of 989 studies screened, only 5 RCTs met all criteria for integrated treatment of psychiatric disorders in cannabis-using youth. These covered depression (2 studies), bipolar disorder (1), anxiety (1), and PTSD (1). None were rated as high risk of bias. The extreme paucity of studies limits the ability to make evidence-based treatment recommendations.
Why it matters
Cannabis use in youth with psychiatric disorders is common and rising with legalization. Yet clinicians have almost no evidence to guide integrated treatment. This gap is dangerous because treating either condition in isolation may be less effective than addressing both simultaneously.
The numbers in context
989 studies screened. 35 full-text reviewed. 5 RCTs met all criteria. Conditions covered: depression (2), bipolar (1), anxiety (1), PTSD (1). No high risk of bias studies.
How the study worked
Systematic review screening 989 studies with dual independent reviewers. Inclusion required randomized controlled trials of therapeutic interventions in adolescents/young adults with both common psychiatric disorders and regular cannabis use. 35 full-text articles reviewed, 5 met all criteria.
What this study cannot tell us
The review itself is limited by the paucity of available evidence. The 5 included studies may have been too heterogeneous to compare meaningfully. Only RCTs were included; observational treatment studies were excluded.
How to read the evidence
Well-conducted systematic review that clearly identifies the evidence gap, but the lack of studies limits the conclusions that can be drawn.
When this study was published
2024 systematic review
The bigger picture
The gap between the prevalence of co-occurring cannabis use and psychiatric disorders in youth and the available treatment evidence is striking. This review essentially constitutes a call to action for clinical researchers.
Questions still open
- Why has so little research been conducted on this common clinical scenario? Should existing adult co-occurring treatment models be adapted for youth? What are the most promising integrated treatment approaches to test?
Common questions
Is there good evidence for treating mental health and cannabis problems together in teens?
What conditions have been studied?
Read the original research
A systematic review of evidence on integrated management of psychiatric disorders in youth who use cannabis.
Drug and alcohol dependence reports, 10, 100216
Citation
Vidal, Carol; Simon, Kevin M; Brooks, Caroline; White, Jacob; Hinckley, Jesse D. (2024). A systematic review of evidence on integrated management of psychiatric disorders in youth who use cannabis.. Drug and alcohol dependence reports, 10, 100216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100216
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