First episode non-affective psychosis means a first psychotic episode (such as seeing or hearing something that isn’t there) that is not related to moods or emotions. This occurs in about 100,000 people annually in the US.
A total of 390 patients with the above diagnosis were evaluated at baseline and again after initiating 3 years of anti-psychotic treatment. Liver, lipid and glycemic data was gathered at the beginning and end, as well as self-reported cannabis (marijuana) use. Fatty liver index and liver fibrosis was evaluated via validated clinical scores.
Those never using cannabis had the largest increase in fatty liver scores, indicating a greater likelihood of problem. Cannabis users who had discontinued had less increase in fatty liver score, and continuous cannabis users had the least increase. No change was seen in liver fibrosis scores.
This study demonstrated that marijuana consumption may provide protection against fatty liver in psychosis, which may result from altering the commonly seen anti-psychotic-induced weight gain.
