Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | The role of depression in the relationship between cannabis use and suicidal behaviours: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
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| Contribution code | D3.071 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aims: Research suggests an association between cannabis use and suicidal behaviours, but the pathways are still unclear. Depression has been cited as a possible confounder, moderator, and mediator of this relationship. We aimed to assess the role of depression in the relationship between cannabis use and suicidal behaviours by systematically reviewing existing literature in the general population while distinguishing adolescents from adults. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Science Direct and PsycArticles from database inception to May 20th 2024, for quantitative observational studies investigating the role of depression in the association between cannabis use and suicidal behaviours. We conducted a meta-analysis implementing a pooled random-effects model to examine the potentially confounding role of depression and search for qualitative arguments in favour of moderating and/or mediating roles of depression. Results: We screened 1081 articles based on their title and abstract, selected 43 for full-text screening and finally included 25. Among adolescents (n=14), cannabis use was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (1.46 [1.17, 1.83]) and suicide attempts (2.17 [1.56, 3.03]) in studies adjusting for depression. Six studies investigated a potential moderating role of depression, with four finding significant but conflicting results. No article investigated the mediating role of depression. Conclusions: There is a statistically significant relationship between cannabis use and suicidal behaviors, which appears to be partly confounded by depression. Most studies investigating a moderating role of depression in the association between cannabis use and suicidal behaviors found statistically significant results but did not agree about the direction of moderation. |