Cannabis Withdrawal - A New Diagnostic Category in DSM-5

Background: Cannabis withdrawal was not formally recognized by the DSM-IV classification but is listed, albeit without diagnostic criteria by ICD-10. The American, Psychiatric Association recently has included cannabis withdrawal into DSM-5 classification as part of the "Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders': Section. However many psychiatrists as well as other medical professionals, have very little information, if at all, about the new diagnostic entity. Method: The information was obtained from PubMed (research words: Cannabis, THC, Hashish, Marijuana and Withdrawal). The different clinical symptoms of the phenomena as well as some pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment considerations were summarized and discussed. Results and Conclusions: A substantial amount of scientific data has been obtained in recent years concerning I, reliability, validity and clinical importance of cannabis withdrawal. The possible influence of cannabis withdrawal on the severity of major psychiatric disturbances is far from being understood and deserves further research. Limitations: The reviewed studies varied in sample size, design and methodology limiting clear conclusions.