Pubdate: Mon, 21 Apr 2003 Source: West Australian (Australia) Copyright: 2003 West Australian Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.thewest.com.au Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495 Author: Tony White ANOTHER STIGMA MEDIA reports have linked the use of cannabis with the onset of schizophrenia. The prevalence of schizophrenia is usually about one to 2 per cent of the population. The prevalence of a cannabis-use induced schizophrenia is only a fraction of that 2 per cent. The symptoms of schizophrenia usually develop over months, if not years. In this time before they are correctly diagnosed, the person can discover that the use of alcohol can reduce or numb the symptoms. Others find that prescription tranquillisers do the same. Some use cannabis to self-medicate against the schizophrenic symptoms. When the schizophrenia becomes obvious it is easy to concludee that the cannabis caused the schizophrenia. It would be easy for a new stigma to evolve about schizophrenia. People could start to think that "the person brought it on themselves because they smoked too much grass". The last thing this group of very ill people need is an extra stigma. TONY WHITE, North Perth (psychologist) - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom