Reductions in cannabis and other illicit substance use between treatment entry and early recovery in patients with first-episode psychosis

Abstract

AbstractObjective: Reductions in cannabis use have been observed during the first year following treatment entry for first‐episode psychosis (FEP), but there is little indication of the pattern of cannabis and substance misuse generally in the very early course of treatment.Methods: Patterns of cannabis and other substance use (including alcohol) were examined prospectively among 130 FEP patients assessed at treatment entry and again at early follow up (median 9 weeks 4 days). Differences between cannabis users and non‐users at both time‐points were compared on descriptive features, psychopathology, social functioning and functional disability.Results: Of 72 patients using cannabis at treatm..