Cannabis-induced Anxiety Disorder

Cannabis-induced anxiety disorder occurs when the use of cannabis precipitates significant anxiety, panic attacks, or related disturbances. Etiology involves dysregulation of endocannabinoid and stress-response systems, with individual vulnerability influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Clinically, patients experience restlessness, irritability, tension, palpitations, and difficulty concentrating temporally associated with cannabis use. Diagnosis requires temporal correlation with cannabis exposure and exclusion of primary anxiety disorders. Management involves cessation of cannabis, psychoeducation, short-term anxiolytic therapy if necessary, and psychotherapy to develop coping strategies. Prognosis is favorable when cannabis use is discontinued, though recurrent exposure may trigger symptom relapse.