Understanding cannabis use and its effects on depression and suicide risk in adolescents

Characterizing Proximal Risk for Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation With Acute Cannabis Use and Withdrawal Among Adolescents Using Ecological Momentary Assessment

This study is trying to see how stopping cannabis use affects depression and suicidal thoughts in teens aged 12-18 who use cannabis daily.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
• Ages: 12 Years to 18 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
• Trial ID: NCT06576076 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the relationships between cannabis use, withdrawal, depression, and suicidal ideation in adolescents aged 12-18 years. It will recruit 200 participants who use cannabis daily and exhibit symptoms of depression. The study involves a 10-week protocol, including a 2-week baseline phase with real-time monitoring of mood and substance use, followed by an 8-week randomization phase comparing cannabis abstinence with contingency management versus non-contingent monitoring. The goal is to develop effective interventions to reduce depression and suicide risk among adolescents.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-18 who use cannabis daily and show current symptoms of depression.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use cannabis regularly or do not exhibit depressive symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to tailored interventions that significantly reduce depression and suicide risk in adolescents who use cannabis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the effects of substance use on mental health, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 12-18;
* Current daily or near daily cannabis use (i.e., use ≥ 4 days per week on average; Timeline Followback);
* Score ≥ 5 on PHQ-9;
* Access to an internet-capable smartphone (iOS or Android);
* Provision of at least 1 collateral contact for risk monitoring;
* Provision of informed assent (or consent if 18 years or older) and parent/guardian consent if \<age 18;
* Greater than 50% response rate to EMA prompts during the first EMA phase;
* No immediate plan to discontinue cannabis use in the next 3 months;
* Positive toxicology result for cannabis on baseline urinalysis.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any factor that impairs ability to comprehend and effectively participate, including acute intoxication at time of consent;
* Cannabis use \>4 times/day on average (to maximize likelihood of capturing mood and SI during non-use times);
* Inability to speak/write English fluently;
* Gross cognitive impairment, for example due to florid psychosis, intellectual disability, developmental delay, or neurodegenerative disease;
* Current epilepsy diagnosis;
* Individuals who are under the legal protection of the government or state (wards of the state);
* Response of "No" to the knowledge check question regarding EMA suicidality response time;
* Inability to wear Fitbit device.

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

• Massachusetts General Hopsital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Randi M Schuster, PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Randi M Schuster, PhD

Conditions: Cannabis Use, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Adolescent Behavior