English
Cannabis may help treat psychosis
According to a study by scientists from King’s College, University of London, one of the key ingredients found in cannabis may be effective in treating psychosis.
Researchers conducted a clinical trial in 88 psychosis sufferers – a mental disorder with symptoms of anxiety, paranoid behaviour and hallucinations – and found that patients given Cannabidiol (CBD) had lower levels of psychotic symptoms.
What is striking about the discovery is that while the main psychostimulant component of cannabis (THC) can cause paranoia, anxiety and psychotic symptoms, its second main component (CBD) has the complete opposite properties and could one day act as a mental health healer.
In their findings published in the *American Journal of Psychiatry*, the researchers state: “
” The study showed that CBD may be effective for psychosis. Patients who were administered the substance experienced a significant reduction in symptoms, and their psychiatrists assessed them as having improved significantly. Although the mechanisms of action of CBD are not yet fully understood, it acts differently as an antipsychotic agent and may represent a new type of treatment.”
Source: kathimerini.gr
