The anxiolytic effect of cannabidiol depends on the nature of the trauma when patients with post-traumatic stress disorder recall their trigger event

Author(s)

Bolsoni, Livia Maria ; Crippa, Jose Alexandre S. ; Cecilio Hallak, Jaime Eduardo ; Guimaraes, Francisco Silveira ; Zuardi, Antonio Waldo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria; v. 44, n. 3, p. 10-pg., 2022-05-01.

Abstract

Objectives: We assessed whether administering cannabidiol (CBD) before recalling the traumatic event that triggered their disorder attenuates anxiety in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As an exploratory pilot analysis, we also investigated whether this effect depends on the nature of the event (sexual vs. nonsexual trauma). Methods: Thirty-three patients of both sexes with PTSD were recruited and randomized 1:1 into two groups. One group received oral CBD (300 mg), and the other received a placebo before listening to a digital audio playback of their previously recorded report of the trigger event. Subjective and physiological measurements were taken before and after recall. We analyzed the data in two subsamples: trigger events involving sexual and nonsexual trauma. Results: In the nonsexual trauma group, the differences between measurements before and after recall were significantly smaller with CBD than placebo; this held true for anxiety and cognitive impairment. However, in the sexual trauma group, the differences were non-significant for both measurements. Conclusion: A single dose of CBD (300mg) attenuated the increased anxiety and cognitive impairment induced by recalling a traumatic event in patients with PTSD when the event involved nonsexual trauma. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/05416-4 - Experimental strategies in the context of COVID-19-induced anosmia: is neurodegeneration involved?
• Grantee: Alline Cristina de Campos
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/01801-5 - Use of Canabidiol in the consolidation of aversive memories in victims of PTSD.
• Grantee: Lívia Maria Bolsoni
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 08/09009-2 - Crack/cocaine chronic use: dopamine transporters availability, genetic factors, and executive functioning
• Grantee: Acioly Luiz Tavares de Lacerda
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants