Comparison of Impulsivity, Sleep Disorder and Suicidal Thoughts In people with and without Marijuana Dependence

This study aimed to compare impulsivity, sleep disorder, and suicidal thoughts in marijuana users and non-users. The present study was a comparative causal study. The statistical population of this study included students consuming marijuana as well as non-consuming students at the University of Gilan. Fifty male students consuming marijuana in the age group of 18 to 33 years were selected by purposive and snowballs sampling, and 50 non-consuming students were selected and placed in the other group. Participants completed the Bart (1995) Impulse Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (1989), and the Beck Suicide Thought Scale (1961), respectively. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, chi-square test, and independent t-test with SPSS-22 software. The results showed that marijuana users scored higher on all three subscales of impulsivity, i.e., cognitive, motor, and unplanned impulsivity, and showed a significant difference with the non-consumer group. In terms of sleep disorders, marijuana abusers in six subscales out of seven subscales, i.e., mental quality, sleep delay, sufficient sleep, sleep disorders, hypnotic drug, and daily sleep disorders, a significant difference with the non-consumer group. Moreover, in the suicidal ideation scale, people with marijuana abuse had a higher mean score on the Beck suicidal thoughts scale. Conclusion The research findings can be used in designing therapeutic interventions for people addicted to marijuana.