The effectiveness of cannabinoids in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a systematic review
Hindocha C, et al.
Published in Journal of Dual Diagnosis
Methodology
Systematic review of published studies (randomised, open-label and observational) of cannabinoid treatments in adults with PTSD, assessing symptom severity, sleep and nightmare outcomes and study quality.
Key Findings
A systematic review of 10 studies of cannabinoids in PTSD found mostly small, uncontrolled or retrospective studies reporting reductions in nightmares and hyperarousal, particularly with nabilone, but very few randomised controlled data and inconsistent effects on core PTSD severity.
Conclusions
Evidence for cannabinoids in PTSD is preliminary and low quality; nightmare reduction is the most consistent signal but no firm recommendation can be made.
Limitations
Very few randomised trials, small samples, heterogeneous cannabinoid preparations and doses, high risk of bias and short follow-up, plus limited safety data on psychiatric and dependence outcomes.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic and public research funding (UK)
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