Volunteers needed for schizophrenia study

The University of Queensland is seeking volunteers for a study of people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and whose use of cannabis appears to create some problems for them.

Associate Professor David Kavanagh of the Psychiatry Department said about one percent of the population would experience schizophrenia some time in their lives. About half those with schizophrenia would abuse alcohol or other drugs at some time.

'This substance use can be a major problem in treating schizophrenia,' he said.

'The drugs can interfere with other treatments, and they often stop people obtaining accommodation or places in training programs.

'Cannabis can be especially problematic, because it can make the psychiatric symptoms worse.

'Some patients believe that cannabis helps them to feel less anxious and more able to deal with daily problems.

'However, cannabis use does have its down side for people with schizophrenia. It can produce more hallucinations and delusional ideas, and makes it more likely that they have relapses.'

Dr Kavanagh said the study would involve volunteers aged 18 or more, who were willing to come to the Royal Brisbane Hospital for free sessions that would discuss their cannabis use and develop individually-tailored treatments.

'We would prefer to work in collaboration with volunteers' usual case managers or doctors so that we can tie in with the patients' other treatments,' Dr Kavanagh said.

People wishing to take part in the study can contact Dr Kavanagh, telephone 07 3365 5246.