Danielle Taddeo

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in a 17-Year-Old Adolescent

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the world. In Canada, cannabis use has been decreasing among youth since 2008. However, it is still two times more prevalent than among adults. A distinct syndrome, characterized by recurrent vomiting associated with abdominal pain and compulsive bathing, has been increasingly recognized in chronic adult users. The cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is still underdiagnosed among adults and even more among adolescents. The authors describe the case of a 17-year-old adolescent, who sought emergency care five times over a year for uncontrolled nausea, profuse vomiting, and weight loss. The patients symptoms were ameliorated by repetitive hot showering and by avoiding cannabis use. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a clinical diagnosis and should be consider in every case of cyclical vomiting. A review of the clinical aspects and the treatment is presented here.

Adolescents’ perceptions of the quality of interpersonal relationships and eating disorder symptom severity: The mediating role of low self-esteem and negative mood

ABSTRACT Few studies have examined how the perceived quality of multiple interpersonal relationships is related to eating disorder (ED) symptom severity in adolescents and how psychological variables might influence these associations. The aim of this study is to determine whether the perceived level of trust, communication, and alienation in the relationship with one’s mother, father, and peers are predictive of ED severity in adolescent females and to test the mediating effects of low self-esteem and negative mood on these associations. Adolescent females aged 12 to 18 (N = 186) with a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa (Restrictive; AN-R or Binge/Purge; AN-B/P) completed self-report measures evaluating the perceived quality of interpersonal relationships, ED symptom severity, low self-esteem, and negative mood. Multiple regressions revealed that the level of perceived alienation in the relationship with one’s mother and peers was positively associated with ED symptom severity. Low self-esteem and negative mood acted as mediators of these associations. Considering that a high level of perceived alienation in the relationship with one’s mother and peers appears to be associated with more severe ED symptoms through its impact on self-esteem and mood, improvements in the quality of these interactions are likely to be an effective target of intervention among adolescents.