Saturday, August 29, 2009

Cannabinoids in bipolar affective disorder: a review and discussion of their therapeutic potential

Department of Psychiatry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

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 cannabisrelieves symptoms of mania and/or depression. The cannabinoids Dgr9-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 amixture 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.


C. H. Ashton, P. B. Moore, P. Gallagher, A. H. Young

http://www.uccs.edu/~rmelamed/Evolutionism/medical_uses_of_cannabinoid_2/mental_disorders/bipolar_disorder.html
doctorbob@cannabuzz.net


8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I actually dont agree with some of the things "users" have stated - My partner & I are long term smokers and have long bouts of depression and no energy. My mum is Bi-polar and has been smoking it for 5 years now, although she has had bi polar for 15 years. She is now a paranoid wreck & some of the things she believes beggars belief. Don't get me wrong - I am an advocate for legalisation, but in my case it isnt true. Peace, Love & Light x

Anonymous said...

hey there! Great site! thanks for the names of the synthetic products and all the other general info I often wonder that the paranoia is intensified when usage is not legal and the crap chemicals used now days Any thoughts?

Anonymous said...

It is 100% true I have been Diagnosed with Bipolar for almost 5 years and it works perfect No other drug could treat bipolar as good as Marijuana.

axiom said...

me too .

personal freedom, the right to own your body is at stake here .
what right has another to tell you what you can and cannot ingest into your own body ?
the answer is obvious - you DO NOT OWN YOUR BODY - IT IS OWNED BY THE STATE .

www.infowars.com

Anonymous said...

wheres my comment ?

Anonymous said...

I have been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, anxiety disorder and social phobia for over 25 years. I have been prescribed and used every type of 'legal' medication - including one for epilepsy! - and none of them helped. As a matter of fact, they all did harm and reacted adversely with my system. Most of them made matters worse and produced severe to extreme toxic reactions both physically and mentally. In between medications, I have been using marijuana to assist with my symptoms. It has been the most effective drug that I have taken with little or no side effects, yet I cannot get it medically prescribed! It is a shame that the government won't legalise this as they cannot regulate it and make enough money from it to make it worth their while (unlike alcohol which has caused no end of damage to people and profit to the government).

Cannabis Man said...

Pot does not cause paranoia. You are either paranoid or your not and anyone who breaks the law has a much stronger feeling of awareness that can turn into paranoia not because of cannabis but as a result of not wanting people to see you or worrying about getting caught. Regular cannabis smoking in conjunction with my bipola medication (Lithium, Epilum)allow me to function normally with reduced side affects and further mood stabilization. My Bipolar still plays up but its much better than before. Thanks again for all your comments, peace, freedom lets take it

Cannabis Man said...

I also find that you really need to try to not think negative. I find positive thinking and acting along with good healthy fresh food, exercise and of course my daily dose of weed and meds and I'm great.