Association of Cannabis Use With Self-harm and Mortality Risk Among Youths With Mood Disorders

Source:

Fontanella CA, Steelesmith DL, Brock G, Bridge JA, Campo JV, Fristad MA. Association of Cannabis Use With Self-harm and Mortality Risk Among Youths With Mood Disorders. JAMA Pediatr. Published online January 19, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.5494

Key Points

Question  Is cannabis use disorder associated with heightened risk of self-harm, suicide, and mortality among youths with mood disorders?

Findings  This population-based cohort study of Medicaid-enrolled youths with mood disorders found that the presence of cannabis use disorder was significantly associated with an increased risk of nonfatal self-harm, all-cause mortality, and death by unintentional overdose and homicide.

Meaning  Cannabis use disorder is common among adolescents and young adults with mood disorders and is associated with an elevated risk of self-harm, overall mortality, and death by unintentional overdose and homicide in this already vulnerable population.