Anxiety disorders in adolescents following first cannabis consumption: case reports and review

Background: The present article aims to illustrate the overlap between anxiety disorders and a first cannabis use in ad olescents. Although investigation in teenagers, comparatively to adults is sparse, the limited existent evidence showed a link between anxiety disorders and cannabis substance use. Methods: The authors present 3 case reports illustrating this association in adolescents, followed by a systematic review targeting panic episodes triggered by cannabis use. Results and Conclusions: Six studies examined the association between cannabis use and panic attacks. Current find ings collectively suggest that cannabis use may be a risk factor for panic psychopathology in predisposed adolescents. The anxious symptoms in these cases lead to several attendances to the Emergency Department, commitment of the school attendance, and abandonment of physical activity, which is highly disabling for teens and their relatives.