Cannabis-induced Psychotic Disorder

Cannabis-induced psychotic disorder is characterized by the acute onset of hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thought and behavior temporally associated with cannabis use. Etiology involves dysregulation of dopaminergic and endocannabinoid signaling, with higher risk in genetically predisposed individuals or those with preexisting vulnerabilities. Clinically, patients present with perceptual disturbances, thought disorganization, and impaired reality testing, often requiring urgent psychiatric evaluation. Diagnosis necessitates exclusion of primary psychotic disorders and correlation with cannabis exposure. Management includes cessation of cannabis, short-term antipsychotic therapy for severe symptoms, and psychoeducation. Prognosis is generally favorable with abstinence, though repeated exposure may increase risk of persistent psychotic disorders in vulnerable populations.