Assessment of Cannabis Craving in Schizophrenia Using Virtual Reality

Study Summary

Background: \- Individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders have a high prevalence of cannabis use. Understanding some of the environmental factors that maintain cannabis use, such as socially triggered cravings, is a critical step in improving treatment for cannabis dependence. In recent years, virtual reality has been studied to determine whether it can be used to induce craving by using life-like cue settings. Researchers are interested in using virtual reality systems to study cannabis cravings in individuals with schizophrenia. Objectives: \- To determine if virtual reality cues will elicit cannabis craving in persons with schizophrenia who have a history of cannabis use. Eligibility: \- Individuals between 18 and 50 years of age who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders, are on a stable antipsychotic medication, and who have a lifetime history of at least 50 cannabis uses and average cannabis use of once per month. Design: * This study involves an initial screening visit, a study visit, and a followup visit. * Participants will be screened with a medical history and physical examination, and will complete questionnaires about their history of marijuana and other drug use. Participants will also learn how to use the virtual reality equipment at this visit. * During the study visit, participants will respond to marijuana cues using the virtual reality system while researchers monitor their heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat levels. * At the followup visit, participants will complete questionnaires about their mood and any cravings for marijuana.