Julia D Buckner1, Emily R Jeffries1, Ross D Crosby2,3, Michael J Zvolensky4,5, Courtenay E Cavanaugh6, Stephen A Wonderlich2,3. 1. a Department of Psychology , Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge , LA , USA. 2. c Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science , University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences , Fargo , ND , USA. 3. d Neuropsychiatric Research Institute , Fargo , ND , USA. 4. e Department of Psychology , University of Houston , Houston , TX , USA. 5. f Department of Behavioral Science , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA. 6. b Department of Psychology , Rutgers University , Camden , NJ , USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates a link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cannabis use and suggests that this link may vary as a function of the PTSD symptom cluster type. Consistent with negative reinforcement models of substance use, individuals with elevated Cluster D (Hyperarousal) symptoms may be more likely to use cannabis in response to elevated state anxiety and experience decreases in state anxiety after using cannabis. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to test hypotheses that the interaction of Cluster D and state anxiety would be related to subsequent cannabis use and that those with elevated Cluster D symptoms who used cannabis would report the greatest decreases in state anxiety. To test the specificity, we tested whether Clusters B (re-experiencing) and C (avoidance) showed similar relationships. METHODS: The present study used ecological momentary assessment to examine cannabis use among 87 cannabis-using individuals with PTSD symptoms (64.4% male, 56.3% non-Hispanic Caucasian). State anxiety and cannabis use were assessed over the two-week period via signal contingent (six random prompts per day), interval contingent (each bedtime), and event contingent (cannabis use episodes) assessments. RESULTS: Consistent with negative reinforcement models, participants with clinically significant Cluster D symptoms with elevated state anxiety had a greater likelihood of subsequent cannabis use and cannabis use resulted in less subsequent anxiety. The negative reinforcement hypothesis was only partially supported for those with Cluster B and C symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that negative reinforcement models may be especially relevant to understanding cannabis use among those with clinically elevated Cluster D symptoms.
BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates a link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cannabis use and suggests that this link may vary as a function of the PTSD symptom cluster type. Consistent with negative reinforcement models of substance use, individuals with elevated Cluster D (Hyperarousal) symptoms may be more likely to use cannabis in response to elevated state anxiety and experience decreases in state anxiety after using cannabis. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to test hypotheses that the interaction of Cluster D and state anxiety would be related to subsequent cannabis use and that those with elevated Cluster D symptoms who used cannabis would report the greatest decreases in state anxiety. To test the specificity, we tested whether Clusters B (re-experiencing) and C (avoidance) showed similar relationships. METHODS: The present study used ecological momentary assessment to examine cannabis use among 87 cannabis-using individuals with PTSD symptoms (64.4% male, 56.3% non-Hispanic Caucasian). State anxiety and cannabis use were assessed over the two-week period via signal contingent (six random prompts per day), interval contingent (each bedtime), and event contingent (cannabis use episodes) assessments. RESULTS: Consistent with negative reinforcement models, participants with clinically significant Cluster D symptoms with elevated state anxiety had a greater likelihood of subsequent cannabis use and cannabis use resulted in less subsequent anxiety. The negative reinforcement hypothesis was only partially supported for those with Cluster B and C symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that negative reinforcement models may be especially relevant to understanding cannabis use among those with clinically elevated Cluster D symptoms.
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Authors: Julia D Buckner; Michael J Zvolensky; Ross D Crosby; Stephen A Wonderlich; Anthony H Ecker; Ashley Richter Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2014-12-31 Impact factor: 4.492
Authors: A Neumeister; M D Normandin; R H Pietrzak; D Piomelli; M Q Zheng; A Gujarro-Anton; M N Potenza; C R Bailey; S F Lin; S Najafzadeh; J Ropchan; S Henry; S Corsi-Travali; R E Carson; Y Huang Journal: Mol Psychiatry Date: 2013-05-14 Impact factor: 15.992