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Lookup NU author(s): Emeritus Professor Heather Ashton, Dr Brian Moore, Dr Peter GallagherORCiD, Professor Allan Young
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Bipolar affective disorder is often poorly controlled by prescribed drugs. Cannabis use is common in patients with this disorder and anecdotal reports suggest that some patients take it to alleviate symptoms of both mania and depression. We undertook a literature review of cannabis use by patients with bipolar disorder and of the neuropharmacological properties of cannabinoids suggesting possible therapeutic effects in this condition. No systematic studies of cannabinoids in bipolar disorder were found to exist, although some patients claim that cannabis relieves symptoms of mania and/or depression. The cannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) may exert sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, antipsychotic and anticonvulsant effects. Pure synthetic cannabinoids, such as dronabinol and nabilone and specific plant extracts containing THC, CBD, or a mixture of the two in known concentrations, are available and can be delivered sublingually. Controlled trials of these cannabinoids as adjunctive medication in bipolar disorder are now indicated. © 2005 British Association for Psychopharmacology.
Author(s): Ashton CH, Moore PB, Gallagher P, Young AH
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Psychopharmacology
Year: 2005
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Pages: 293-300
Print publication date: 01/05/2005
ISSN (print): 0269-8811
ISSN (electronic): 1461-7285
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269881105051541
DOI: 10.1177/0269881105051541
PubMed id: 15888515
