Cannabis use as a potential mediator between childhood adversity and first-episode psychosis: results from the EU-GEI case–control study

Abstract Background Childhood adversity and cannabis use are considered independent risk factors for psychosis, but whether different patterns of may be acting as mediator between psychotic disorders has not yet been explored. The aim this study is to examine mediates the relationship childhood psychosis. Methods Data were utilised on 881 first-episode psychosis patients 1231 controls from European network national schizophrenia networks studying Gene–Environment Interactions (EU-GEI) study. Detailed history was collected with Cannabis Experience Questionnaire. Care Abuse Questionnaire used assess exposure household discord, sexual, physical or emotional abuse bullying in two periods: early (0–11 years), late (12–17 years). A path decomposition method analyse association mediated by (1) lifetime use, (2) potency (3) frequency use. Results discord partially (indirect effect coef. 0.078, s.e. 0.022, 17%), its 0.059, 0.018, 14%) 0.117, 0.038, 29%). Similar findings obtained when analyses restricted discord. Conclusions Harmful specific adversities, like later Children exposed particularly challenging environments their could benefit psychosocial interventions aimed at preventing misuse.