Análise dos critérios diagnósticos de dependência (DSM-IV) entre usuários diários de maconha

• Ano de defesa: 2009
• Autor(a) principal: Maciel, Laura de Amorim [UNIFESP]
• Tipo de documento: Dissertação
• Tipo de acesso: Acesso aberto
• Idioma: por
• Instituição de defesa: Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)
• Palavras-chave em Português: Cannabis; Qualitative research; Pesquisa qualitativa
• Link de acesso: http://repositorio.unifesp.br/handle/11600/8931

Aim: To study the DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence among daily cannabis users. Methods: A qualitative method and an intentional sample of daily cannabis users in the community were adopted in this investigation, which was conducted in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In-depth, semi-structured interviews based on the DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence were held individually. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for posterior content analyses. Results: 24 people (15 men) aged 18-49 years participated in this study. Only one participant reported compulsive use, while the others planned cannabis use through their daily routine without reducing the frequency in which engaged in important activities. Impairments on the short-term memory were reported by 17 participants. There was no report of tolerance towards the sensation of relaxation, which was claimed to be the main motivation for continued use. Symptoms during the abstinence periods (irritation, insomnia and appetite reduction) were more likely to be some frustration feeling for not being able to smoke marijuana and/or rebound or off-set effects. Despite the fact only four participants were diagnosed dependent (DSM-IV), 16 considered themselves dependent. Conclusions: The DSM-IV diagnoses criteria might not identify cannabis daily users as dependents, despite the fat that they considered themselves dependents. The specificities regarding tolerance and control/compulsion seem to reduce the probability of establishing diagnoses of dependence.