Section - Quick Takes

04. Cannabis, Connectivity, and Coming of Age: Associations Between Cannabis Use and Anterior Cingulate Cortex Connectivity During the Transition to Adulthood

Published on May 1, 2023 Certification expiration date: May 1, 2026

James Phelps, M.D.

Research Editor - Psychopharmacology Institute

Key Points

Previous research on cannabis effects during adolescent development have yielded mixed results in terms of brain imaging.
A new study suggests that early childhood adversity, which has its own effects on brain maturation, may account for some of this variability.

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How bad is marijuana for a young person at risk of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder? Of course, even if we knew for certain that the answer is really bad, everyone knows how challenging it is to direct a young adolescent’s behavior. Nevertheless, improved understanding of cannabis effects on brain development will surely help guide efforts to protect adolescent brains. So, with that in mind, here’s a look at brain development using snapshots of brain white matter volume and integrity at ages 20 and 22 in exposed and unexposed young males—exposed to cannabis, that is.

Hi! Jim Phelps here for the Psychopharmacology Institute. This new study by Dr. Sarah Lichenstein is part of the Pitt Mother and Child Project: A prospective longitudinal study of risk and resilience among males of low socioeconomic status. Participants for this project were recruited in infancy and then had follow-up assessments throughout childhood and adolescence. Some

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05. Use of Hormonal Contraceptives and Antidepressants and Risks of Suicidal Behavior and Accidents Among Women With Premenstrual Disorders: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Learning Objectives:

Evaluate the efficacy of haloperidol vs placebo for the management of delirium in intensive care units.
Examine the potential relationship between antidepressant use and gestational diabetes.
Evaluate the risk of cardiovascular events associated with medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using data from 19 studies.
Examine research on the joint effects of early childhood adversity and cannabis use on white matter integrity.
Evaluate research on the associations between oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and the risks for suicidal behavior and accidents among patients with premenstrual disorders.

Original Release Date: May 1, 2023

Review and Re-release Date: March 1, 2024

Expiration Date: May 1, 2026

Expert: James Phelps, M.D.

Medical Editor: Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

James R Phelps declares the following interests:

- McGraw-Hill: Royalties

- W.W. Norton & Co.: Royalties

All of the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated by Medical Academy and the Psychopharmacology Institute.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

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Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

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This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.