Clinical Applications of Medicinal Cannabis in Psychiatry: A 2020 Systematic Review

Introduction

In this clinically-focused systematic review, Sarris et al. (2020) examine the evidence for medicinal cannabis in psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, and psychosis. The review highlights both the therapeutic potential and the risks of cannabis, providing insights for its use in clinical settings.

Key Points

  1. Scope of the Review:
    • The review synthesizes findings from randomized controlled trials and observational studies on medicinal cannabis in psychiatric care.
    • It evaluates efficacy, safety, and potential applications in anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
  2. Findings:
    • Therapeutic Potential:
      • Moderate evidence supports cannabis’s role in reducing PTSD-related symptoms and anxiety.
      • Limited data suggests benefits in some cases of depression.
    • Risks:
      • Adverse effects include cognitive impairment, risk of addiction, and worsening psychosis symptoms.
      • Long-term safety remains unclear due to a lack of robust longitudinal studies.
  3. Clinical Implications:
    • Medicinal cannabis is not currently recommended as a first-line treatment.
    • It may be considered in treatment-resistant cases, particularly for PTSD or chronic anxiety, with careful monitoring.

The VitalPoint For Providers

This systematic review emphasizes the cautious use of medicinal cannabis in psychiatry. While promising for some patients, particularly with PTSD or anxiety, its risks necessitate thorough evaluation and monitoring. The findings underscore the need for more high-quality, controlled studies to guide clinical decision-making.

For further details, access the full article on PubMed.

VitalPoint Technologies, Inc.

Disclaimer

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