Mind Your Health

David Kingdon is a Professor of Mental Health Care Delivery at the University of Southampton and honorary consultant adult psychiatrist for Southern Health NHS Trust. Professor Kingdon has worked with colleagues to develop techniques for treating patients with psychosis using cognitive behaviour therapy. He is currently working on studies examining novel treatments in psychosis and treatment-resistant depression as well as projects on communication in psychosis & mindfulness groups. His talk on 'The Sanity of Madness' will bring together his current research interests.

Heavy cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of psychosis, though this is not a simple, direct relationship. It is likely that a combination of biological, social and psychological factors play a part.
‘Cognitive-fusion’ describes the extent to which we are unable to step back from our thoughts and feelings. In cannabis users, those who ‘fuse’ with their internal experience when intoxicated are more likely to have psychotic experiences. This will be useful in developing treatments and possibly identifying those at risk of cannabis-related psychosis.