Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Discover the therapeutic potential of Cannabis

People who have experienced very traumatic situations can develop an anxiety disorder called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Reactions can be physical, psychic and emotional, directly affecting the well-being and quality of life of these patients.

Studies on medicinal Cannabis indicate that the relationship between Cannabis and PTSD can be very advantageous from a therapeutic point of view, provided that qualified products are used and a contextualized therapeutic strategy is used for each patient. Understand more details below.

 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): diagnosis and treatment

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) consists of intense and dysfunctional reactions that begin after a traumatic event, usually involving situations that threaten one's own life or the life of others. Some examples are cases of urban violence – such as robberies and kidnappings – abuse, accidents and natural catastrophes.

Although the first symptoms may appear soon after the traumatic episodes, it is common for people to only seek medical help after suffering for a long time with feelings of fear, anguish and anxiety. Conventional treatment typically includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and the use of anti-anxiety medications. However, a high number of patients are refractory to these approaches. According to Koek et al. (2016), one third of patients with PTSD do not respond to conventional treatments and between 45 to 60% of patients do not recover after years of treatment.  

 

Cannabis and PTSD: Can cannabinoid derivatives help with symptom relief?

For some years now, scientific research has been demonstrating the therapeutic potential of Cannabis in relieving and combating PTSD symptoms. A study published in 2020 by experts from Washington State University analyzed a group of 400 patients with PTSD, all users of medical cannabis. The experiment brought the following short-term results:

• 62% reported a reduction in thoughts associated with the traumatic episode;

• 62% reported a reduction in “flashbacks” associated with the traumatic episode;

• 67% reported a decrease in irritability;

• 57% reported a decrease in anxiety.

 

 

 

Another research published in 2020 brought clear evidence of the benefits of Cannabis in the treatment of PTSD. This is a study conducted by researchers from the Perelman Medical School, University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, United States.

The research evaluated the relationship between Cannabis and PTSD in two groups of patients diagnosed with the disorder, the first group treated with Medicinal Cannabis and the second group, control, who did not use medicinal Cannabis. 

During the one-year experiment, the group treated with cannabinoid derivatives reported a greater degree of decrease in PTSD symptoms compared to the group that used conventional medications.

Additionally, patients who adhered to cannabis therapy were 2.6 times more likely to no longer meet the PTSD criteria set forth in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 

 

Extracts rich in CBD or THC?

Phytocannabinoids help interrupt the process of consolidating traumatic memories in patients with PTSD, as this work has well demonstrated  published in 2019 in a British scientific journal – and conducted by the Department of Pharmacology at Federal University of Santa Catarina. According to these researchers, CBD associated with THC can help weaken the traumatic memories of PTSD.

The study by Elms and collaborators (2019) assessed the clinical benefits of using CBD for patients with PTSD. A total of 10 patients (91% of the sample) experienced a decrease in the severity of PTSD symptoms, evidenced by a 28% lower score on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) after eight weeks compared to the score initial. CBD was well tolerated and no patient discontinued treatment due to side effects.

The use of THC in the treatment of PTSD has also been evaluated in clinical trials. No study by Roitman and collaborators (2014), mild adverse effects were observed in three patients, none of which led to treatment discontinuation. The oral THC formulation provided a statistically significant improvement in global symptom severity, sleep quality, frequency of nightmares, and hyperarousal symptoms common in PTSD. Orally administered THC was safe and well tolerated by patients.

 

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