sCHIZoPHReNIa diARiES
TRUE STORIES BY REAL SCHIZOPHRENICS
Larry's Story of Cannabis Induced Schizophrenia
LARRY'S STORY
But Larry's behaviour was deteriorating too rapidly for this to be of use. He barricaded himself into his room so that communication became impossible. It was agonising to see my brilliant child's mind unravelling before my eyes.
Two weeks later, I had a phone call from Graham to say Larry had been taken to hospital after running in front of a bus. I felt almost faint with relief when he said Larry had not been hurt.
I went straight to the hospital, where the doctor on duty administered an anti-psychotic drug. Larry suddenly showed a dramatic improvement, proving the doctor's diagnosis of a drug-induced psychosis to be correct. Yet a urine test showed he had taken only six codeine tablets.
When I talked to a drugs helpline, I discovered that psychosis does not have to be the result of drugs present in the body, but may be the result of drug abuse from years earlier. This is particularly linked with the long-term use of cannabis.
Recent medical research has established a strong link between the use of cannabis and the development of psychosis and schizophrenia in vulnerable young people. Scientists say that by disrupting the delicate chemical balance of the brain, the drug causes changes leading to long-term mental illness.
I kept Larry with me as much as possible for six weeks after that.
He seemed to be improving steadily, and appeared brighter and more optimistic about the future. I even persuaded him to see a counsellor. But a diary he kept shows his mood swings: "Still getting delusional thoughts -- worst fears -- dying painfully, having to relive my life again and again, voices encouraging me to kill myself."
