The effects of nabilone and dexamphetamine on three underlying schizotypy dimensions of delusions/hallucinations, mania and delusional guilt

The effect of the CB agonist, Nabilone, on schizotypy in healthy volunteers was assessed and compared to a similar previous study with Dexamphetamine (DEX). Healthy volunteers completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover experiment, wherein they received Nabilone and placebo and completed a range of schizotypy measures. A Multiple Factor Analysis identified three primary underlying dimensions of schizotypy in these two samples: Delusions/Hallucinations; Mania-like; Delusional Guilt. Nabilone increased scores of Delusional Guilt and DEX increased scores of Mania-like symptoms. The different effects of Nabilone and DEX may suggest that cannabinoid agonists may induce some types of psychotic-like symptoms independent of dopamine.