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Amotivational Syndrome (AS) refers to symptoms of introversion, passivity and lack of achievement orientation associated with prolonged use of cannabis. Other substances have also been identified as causes of Amotivational Syndrome (AS).

Signs and Symptoms
Amotivational syndrome (AS) in chronic cannabis users is characterized by apathy, callousness and antisocial behavior There is a link between lack of motivation and cannabis use

Description
Cannabis comes from the green weed Cannabis Sativa and is widely used for industrial, medical and recreational purposes Cannabis, which also goes by the name marijuana is 10,000 years old and was first used for therapeutic purposes about 4,500 years ago

A significant number of people across the world inhale marijuana or cannabis smoke to alter their consciousness. However, cannabis use has some effects on cognitive functioning These effects mainly depend on consumption levels, setting and experience of the user. One of the most common side effects of cannabis use is Amotivational syndrome(AS).

History
McGlothlin and West coined the term amotivational syndrome around 1968, to describe the effects of cannabis on regular users. The symptoms include introversion, passiveness and inability to orient themselves in their environment It is no wonder a popular stereotype in media depicts a cannabis user as amotivated “slacker”.

With the legalization of cannabis and the decreased perception of risks among adolescents, there is a renewed interest in its effects. Measuring motivation in cannabis users has been touted as one of the key areas of research. Reduced motivation and negative implications on academic achievement in adolescents show a correlation However, studies also point to other reasons for lack of motivation in subjects.

Motivation in the context of substance use research, has a broad meaning and includes cognitions, emotions and behaviours involved in the activation, execution and persistence of goal-directed behaviour. There are two different types of motivation-Extrinsic motivation and Intrinsic motivation.

Diagnosis
Symptoms are generally self-reported and measured using the Apathy Evaluation Scale. The Apathy Evaluation Scale has three versions, self-rated (AES-S), informant-rated (AES-I) and clinician-administered (AES-C) A list of 18 questions is used to measure the level of apathy. The questions main focus is on the level of apathy, motivation, initiative and social contacts. The questions are framed in a way to gauge the user's interest in new things and experiences, their motivation in getting things done, whether or not they take initiative, their social interactions, their ability to think of others and their approach to life. Use of the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES) is one of the many tools used to measure apathy. It is recommended that this scale is used together with other clinical assessment tools for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options

Users & Treatment
Cannabis effects manifest differently from one user to another. For this reason, treatment options are different among users. There are three main categories of users

Most of those who quit, do so on their own and without the help of interventions. These users report “avoiding problems” as their motivation to quit. Other factors that have been mentioned include family support, a new job and a new sense of accomplishment. In addition, a small percentage of those who quit report a critical incident or event that propels them to make this decision. There are those who continue to use cannabis and may experience problems that are not debilitating. This group of users is considered to have found a functioning level to work with. Finally, there are those who cannot quit on their own and need professional help to do so.
 * Those who stop cannabis use without any formal interventions
 * Those who undergo treatment and
 * Those who never quit.

There are treatment therapies available for users but these are not considered very effective as research shows high relapse rates in users. In comparison, other psychological treatments for similar issues are considered more effective

Treatment Options
There are two standardized treatment options for Amotivational syndrome (AS). Abstinence from cannabis use is the underlying goal in both these approaches The Relapse Prevention Treatment focuses on identifying feelings, thoughts and situations that might increase the chances of smoking cannabis, and subsequently coming up with coping strategies, that do not include the drug. The Social Support Group focuses on identifying others who could act as support in maintaining abstinence, especially during difficult times. Both treatment options utilize group formats, where 12 to 15 participants meet with therapists for two hours per session.

Other Causes of Amotivational Syndrome
Amotivational syndrome does not only affect those who use cannabis. This syndrome has been associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs SSRI’s are widely used to treat depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. SSRI’s are effective in the treatment of these disorders, but also have side effects attached to their use. Studies show signs of apathy in patients who have been prescribed SSRI’s, more so than those who have not. According to research, one of the possibilities and cause for apathy is the alteration of serotonin levels at the frontal lobe