Cannabis Use and Psychotic-Like Experiences in Adolescents: Insights From Metabolomic Research

A study from the University of Eastern Finland has uncovered how cannabis use influences the metabolomic profiles linked to psychotic-like experiences in adolescents. By analyzing blood samples from 76 teenagers experiencing depression, researchers identified distinct metabolomic changes in cannabis users and non-users. These findings provide preliminary insights into the molecular pathways that might contribute to psychotic-like symptoms.

The research, published in Translational Psychiatry, suggests that cannabis use may be associated with metabolic processes related to energy production, while non-users experience different changes linked to inflammation.

Distinct Metabolomic Changes in Cannabis Users vs. Non-Users

Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the researchers examined 92 metabolites in adolescents’ serum samples. They found that psychotic-like experiences, such as hallucinations, were associated with inflammatory metabolic changes in non-cannabis users. In contrast, cannabis users exhibited alterations in metabolites tied to brain ketogenesis, a process linked to energy production.

This divergence suggests that cannabis use may engage alternative molecular pathways compared to those underlying psychotic-like symptoms in non-users. The researchers also identified unique metabolic patterns tied to specific symptom dimensions, such as paranoia and dissociation, emphasizing the complexity of psychotic-like experiences.

Implications for Precision Psychiatry and Future Research

These findings have potential implications for the evolving field of precision psychiatry, which seeks to personalize mental health interventions based on biological differences. The study’s ability to associate metabolomic changes with specific symptom dimensions, such as delusions or hallucinations, could guide more tailored approaches to treatment.

While preliminary, the research highlights the need for further investigation into how early metabolomic changes might predict the onset of psychiatric conditions. Future studies will involve larger sample sizes and longitudinal tracking of psychiatric outcomes to refine these findings.

Moving Toward Biological Precision in Mental Health Care

The study represents an important step toward understanding the biological underpinnings of psychotic-like experiences. As Karoliina Kurkinen, the study’s lead author, noted, “We are only scratching the surface of what’s possible in this area of research.” Exploring the distinct molecular pathways underlying symptom dimensions could ultimately transform approaches to diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.

By shedding light on the metabolic processes involved in psychotic-like experiences, this research provides a foundation for future advancements in precision psychiatry, particularly for adolescents at risk of developing psychotic disorders.