"I Use Weed for My ADHD": A Qualitative Analysis of Online Forum Discussions on Cannabis Use and ADHD.

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2016

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a risk factor for problematic cannabis use. However, clinical and anecdotal evidence suggest an increasingly popular perception that cannabis is therapeutic for ADHD, including via online resources. Given that the Internet is increasingly utilized as a source of healthcare information and may influence perceptions, we conducted a qualitative analysis of online forum discussions, also referred to as threads, on the effects of cannabis on ADHD to systematically characterize the content patients and caregivers may encounter about ADHD and cannabis. METHODS: A total of 268 separate forum threads were identified. Twenty percent (20%) were randomly selected, which yielded 55 separate forum threads (mean number of individual posts per forum thread = 17.53) scored by three raters (Cohen's kappa = 0.74). A final sample of 401 posts in these forum threads received at least one endorsement on predetermined topics following qualitative coding procedures. RESULTS: Twenty-five (25%) percent of individual posts indicated that cannabis is therapeutic for ADHD, as opposed to 8% that it is harmful, 5% that it is both therapeutic and harmful, and 2% that it has no effect on ADHD. This pattern was generally consistent when the year of each post was considered. The greater endorsement of therapeutic versus harmful effects of cannabis did not generalize to mood, other (non-ADHD) psychiatric conditions, or overall domains of daily life. Additional themes emerged (e.g., cannabis being considered sanctioned by healthcare providers). CONCLUSIONS: Despite that there are no clinical recommendations or systematic research supporting the beneficial effects of cannabis use for ADHD, online discussions indicate that cannabis is considered therapeutic for ADHD-this is the first study to identify such a trend. This type of online information could shape ADHD patient and caregiver perceptions, and influence cannabis use and clinical care.

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10.1371/journal.pone.0156614

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Mitchell, John T, Maggie M Sweitzer, Angela M Tunno, Scott H Kollins and F Joseph McClernon (2016). "I Use Weed for My ADHD": A Qualitative Analysis of Online Forum Discussions on Cannabis Use and ADHD. PLoS One, 11(5). p. e0156614. 10.1371/journal.pone.0156614 Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/12559.

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Scholars@Duke

Mitchell

John T Mitchell

Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Sweitzer

Maggie Sweitzer

Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

The primary focus of my research program involves elucidating neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying addictive disorders, and translating this knowledge to develop more efficacious interventions. Much of my work has emphasized dysregulated reward processing and cognitive control as key trans-diagnostic mechanisms contributing to high rates of comorbidity between cigarette smoking and psychiatric disorders, and ultimately increasing vulnerability to relapse. In addressing these topics, I combine methods including functional neuroimaging, laboratory behavioral pharmacology, and ecological momentary assessment. My ongoing projects focus on two primary areas: 1) neurobehavioral mechanisms contributing to risk for substance use among young adults with a history childhood adversity; and 2) identifying mechanisms and intervention targets in comorbidity between tobacco use and chronic pain. 

Tunno

Angela Marie Tunno

Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Angela M. Tunno is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor whose area of specialty include clinical, research, advocacy, policy, and social justice efforts focused on the impact of trauma and systemic inequities for children, youth, and families. In addition, she has a specific clinical and research focus on the intersection of trauma exposure and high-risk behavior (e.g., suicidal thoughts/behavior, substance use). Collaboration; partnering with youth, families, and adults; and cultural humility are at the foundation of her clinical, research, systems, and community work. She values true partnership and the importance of community-led efforts to build collective methods to prevention and intervention.


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