الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating brain. The prevalence of substance abuse and dependence is elevated among patients with schizophrenia .With Cannabis being the most common illicit substance of abuse. Approximately one-third of patients with schizophrenia and other psychosis reports daily use and one-quarter meet criteria of cannabis use disorder. Evidence suggest that neurocognitive and neurophysiological effects of cannabis on the brain depend on complex interaction between endocannabinoid system and inhibitory neuronal networks. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is major constituent of cannabis, has been shown experimentally to cause transient increase in symptoms impairment of neurocognitive functioning in healthy subjects. It has even more pronounced effects in patients with schizophrenia. Clinical reports suggest that patients with schizophrenia, who use cannabis show increase in psychotic symptomatology, respond poorly to antipsychotic medication and have a worse clinical course than patients who don’t use cannabis. However other studies report similar symptom profiles between cannabis-using and non-using patients. While other studies report less anxiety and fewer depressive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients using cannabis. Because there is a dearth of studies in Egypt about this topic, this study will aim to investigate the effect of cannabis using on Egyptian patients with schizophrenia by comparing them to non-using patients with schizophrenia trying to overcome the above mentioned bias factors. Aim of work: The current study aimed to assessment the effect of comorbid cannabis-use in patients with schizophrenia on severity of symptoms and socio-occupational functioning.