A Comment on the "Amotivational Syndrome" in Marijuana Smokers
DAVID J. KUPFER M.D.1,
THOMAS DETRE M.D.2,
JACQUELINE KORAL M.A., , and
PETER FAJANS
1 Director of Research and Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15261
2 Chairman and Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15261
Heavy smokers and light smokers of marijuana were compared for general psychological health, stable personality traits, changes in personality induced by long-term use of marijuana, effects of multiple drug use, and the "amotivational syndrome" that is said to result from heavy use of the drug. Results did not indicate any overall pattern of excess psychopathology for either group, although significant differences were found in levels of depression and organicity and in various personality traits. The findings suggest that heavy use of marijuana may be related to already existing depression and that impaired motivation may be a manifestation of depression rather than a consequence of frequent mairjuana use.
