PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
A psychiatric disorder that develops after exposure to traumatic events, characterized by intrusive memories, hyperarousal, avoidance, and negative cognitions.
In Depth
PTSD is associated with dysregulated endocannabinoid signaling — reduced anandamide levels and CB1 receptor downregulation in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Cannabis is one of the most commonly self-reported treatments for PTSD. Clinical evidence includes observational studies showing symptom reduction and a Phase 2 RCT (Bonn-Miller et al.) showing THC-containing cannabis reduced PTSD symptom severity. Nabilone has shown efficacy for PTSD-related nightmares in small RCTs.
Related Terms
Further Reading
More in Clinical
Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.