Cannabidiol for Treatment-Resistant Anxiety Disorders in Young People

Summary & key facts

Researchers gave 31 young people, aged 12 to 25, a non-intoxicating cannabis chemical called cannabidiol (CBD) for 12 weeks in addition to their usual therapy. These young people had anxiety disorders that did not get better with therapy or antidepressants. On average their anxiety scores fell by about 40%, and measures of depression and daily functioning also got a bit better. Most people had mild side effects like tiredness or low mood, and the study was small and not blinded, so bigger controlled trials are needed to know for sure if CBD helps and is safe long term.

Key facts:

• The study tested CBD added to existing treatment for 31 young people with anxiety that had not improved with standard care.
• Participants were 12 to 25 years old and took CBD for 12 weeks, with doses increased up to 800 milligrams per day.
• Average anxiety scores fell from about 11 to about 6, which is roughly a 40% reduction in this group.
• Symptoms of depression and general functioning also showed statistically significant improvement over 12 weeks.
• About 25 of the 31 participants, or roughly 80%, reported side effects such as fatigue, low mood, and hot flushes or chills.
• There were no serious or unexpected adverse events reported in this small study.
• This was an open-label trial, meaning everyone knew they were getting CBD and there was no placebo comparison, so the results need confirmation in larger, controlled trials.

Abstract

Trial Registration: New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) identifier: ACTRN12617000825358.

Topics

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Adverse effect Anxiety Anxiety disorder Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale Internal medicine Medicine Mood Psychiatry Psychology Randomized controlled trial Young adult

Substances

Cannabis

Conditions & symptoms

Anxiety Depression Anxiety or worry Lack of energy or motivation Sadness or low mood