Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. June 2, 2021: pyab033. doi: 10.1093 / ijnp / pyab033. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: COVID-19-related containment measures have caused serious disruption to work and education, and have prevented people from engaging in many rewarding activities. Cannabis users can be particularly vulnerable, as they have previously been shown to have higher levels of apathy and anhedonia than non-users.

METHODS: In this survey study, we measured apathy and anhedonia before and after the implementation of lockdown measures, in n = 256 adults and n = 200 adolescent cannabis users, and n = 170 adults and n = 172 control adolescents. The scores on the Apathy Rating Scale (AES) and the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) were studied with mixed measures. .

RESULTS: Adolescent cannabis users had significantly higher pre-lockout SHAPS scores, indicating greater anhedonia, compared to control adolescents (p = 0.03, ηp 2 = 0.013). In contrast, adult users had significantly lower scores on both SHAPS (p <.001 p .030 and aes .048 after locking compared to adult witnesses. scores on both scales increased during confinement in all groups this increase was significantly smaller for cannabis users .014 shaps .008 exploratory analyzes revealed that addicted had higher overall .037 .029 a larger .010 non-dependent users.>

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that adolescents and adults have different associations between cannabis use, apathy and anhedonia. In users, addiction may be associated with higher levels of apathy and anhedonia regardless of age, and a greater increase in levels during COVID-19 lockdown.

PMID:34077523 | DO I:10.1093 / ijnp / pyab033