Cannabis, Linked Emotions, and Adolescent Risk Study

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Aug 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Cannabis, Linked Emotions, and Adolescent Risk Study is looking to understand how using cannabis (marijuana) affects feelings of depression and thoughts of self-harm in teenagers aged 12 to 18. Researchers want to explore how cannabis use and withdrawal might change mood and the risk of suicide over time. By finding out more about these relationships, the study aims to help create better support and treatment options for young people struggling with these issues.

To participate, teens must be between 12 and 18 years old, use cannabis almost every day, and currently have symptoms of depression or thoughts about self-harm. Participants will need a smartphone and must have a parent or guardian's permission if they are under 18. Throughout the study, they will receive prompts to share their experiences and feelings, which will help researchers gather important information. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it’s a chance to contribute to understanding and improving mental health support for adolescents.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ages 12-18;
• • Current daily or near daily cannabis use (i.e., use ≥ 4 days per week on average; Timeline Followback);
• • Score ≥ 5 on PHQ-9 or current depressive episode (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Kid 7.0.2);
• • Access to an internet-capable smartphone (iOS or Android);
• • Provision of at least 1 collateral contact for risk monitoring;
• • Provision of informed assent (or consent if 18 years or older) and parent/guardian consent if \<age 18;
• • Greater than 60% response rate to EMA prompts during the first EMA phase;
• • No immediate plan to discontinue cannabis use in the next 3 months;
• • Positive toxicology result for cannabis on baseline urinalysis.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any factor that impairs ability to comprehend and effectively participate, including acute intoxication at time of consent;
• • Cannabis use \>4 times/day on average (to maximize likelihood of capturing mood and SI during non-use times);
• • Inability to speak/write English fluently;
• • Gross cognitive impairment, for example due to florid psychosis, intellectual disability, developmental delay, or neurodegenerative disease;
• • Current epilepsy diagnosis;
• • Individuals who are under the legal protection of the government or state (wards of the state);
• • Response of "No" to the knowledge check question regarding EMA suicidality response time;
• • Inability to wear Fitbit device.