Anxiety Article
Cannabidiol effective in treatment-resistant anxiety – pilot study
Source:
https://www.orygen.org.au
Article Summary:
A pilot study conducted by Orygen revealed promising results regarding the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating chronic anxiety among young people. Over a 12-week period, participants aged 12 to 25, who had previously shown resistance to conventional treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), experienced a notable reduction in anxiety severity and impairment. On average, there was a significant 42.6% decrease in anxiety symptoms, as measured by both clinician-rated scales like the Hamilton Anxiety Rating and self-rated scales such as the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale. This improvement allowed many participants to engage in activities previously hindered by anxiety, such as attending school or social events, suggesting CBD’s potential as an effective treatment option for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders. Professor Paul Amminger, lead researcher of the study, emphasized the remarkable nature of these findings, particularly in a group with long-standing, severe anxiety. The study also highlighted CBD’s favorable safety profile, with participants generally tolerating the treatment well and reporting only mild, transient side effects like sedation and fatigue. Despite these promising outcomes, Professor Amminger stressed the need for further research, particularly randomized controlled trials involving larger cohorts, to validate CBD’s efficacy and establish it as a viable treatment option for anxiety disorders, which are increasingly prevalent among young people in Australia.