A Systematic Review of the Clinical Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Symptom Clusters.

Objective: Given the high rate of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cannabis use, it is critical that further research be conducted to address the associated benefits and risks of cannabis use in this population. This systematic review evaluated evidence on the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on PTSD symptoms and PTSD clusters.Data Sources: A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases was performed using terms related to cannabis, cannabinoids, and PTSD. Peer-reviewed studies available online in English and published from January 1990 through February 2023 were considered.Study Selection: Included studies were experimental or observational in design, were conducted in cannabis-using patients with PTSD, used validated measures of PTSD, and were published in English.Data Extraction: Extracted information included study aims, study design, sample size and sex, comparator group, cannabis-related characteristics, psychometric instruments, and relevant clinical findings regarding overall PTSD symptoms and cluster symptoms.Results: Fourteen studies were included, 3 in a comorbid PTSD and cannabis use disorder (CUD) sample and 11 in a non-CUD sample. Of the 10 studies examining overall PTSD symptoms in a non-CUD sample, 5 suggested benefits associated with cannabis use and 5 suggested no effect or worsening of symptoms. Four studies reported benefits of cannabis for cluster B- and E-related symptoms in a non-CUD sample. All 3 studies in cannabis-using patients with a comorbid PTSD and CUD diagnosis reported risks for worsening of overall symptoms.Conclusions: This review did not find major benefits of cannabinoids in improving overall PTSD symptoms. Some benefits with regard to cluster B and E symptoms were observed. Some risks with regard to worsening suicidal ideation and violent behavior were also reported. Individuals with a comorbid CUD diagnosis may be at greater risk for negative cannabis-related PTSD outcomes. More experimental studies are needed to determine the causal effects of cannabis and cannabinoids in PTSD.

Therapeutic uses of psychedelics for eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder.

BACKGROUND: Clinical use of psychedelics has gained considerable attention, with promising benefits across a range of mental disorders. Current pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and eating disorders (EDs) have limited efficacy. As such, other treatment options such as psychedelic-assisted therapies are being explored in these clinical groups. AIMS: This systematic review evaluates evidence related to the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in individuals diagnosed with BDD and EDs. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of all study designs published to the end of February 2022 that identified changes in ED/BDD symptom severity from psychedelics using validated measures to assess symptom changes. RESULTS: Our search detected a total of 372 studies, of which five met inclusion criteria (two exploratory studies, two case reports, and one prospective study). These were included in the data evaluation. Effects of psychedelics on BDD and various ED symptoms were identified mostly through thematic analyses and self-reports. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight that more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of psychedelics in BDD and EDs and we suggest avenues for future exploration.

Contingency Management for Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder in Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Amongst individuals with a mental health disorder, a comorbid diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (CUD) is associated with numerous adverse consequences, including more severe symptom profiles, poorer treatment response, and reduced psychosocial functioning. Contingency management (CM), a method to specifically reinforce target behavior attainment (e.g., substance use abstinence), may provide an effective intervention in treating cannabis use in patients with a dual diagnosis of CUD and a mental health disorder. A systematic search examining the effects of CM on cannabis use, clinical, cognitive, and psychosocial outcomes in patients with a mental health disorder on PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases up to November 2022 was performed. Six studies met inclusion criteria for our review. We found CM to be efficacious in producing cannabis use reductions and abstinence amongst individuals with a psychotic-spectrum or major depressive disorder. Additional longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes, other psychiatric populations, and longer follow-up periods are needed to evaluate the sustained effects of CM.