3 minute read
MOOD SWINGS
BY KAITLIN DOMANGUE
Synthetic cannabinoid agents have been used in several small studies to gain insight into cannabis’ potential efficacy in treating mood disorders. The results showed great promise. At the time of publication, according to the published review, “There are currently no studies which have examined the effects of the cannabis plant on anxiety and related disorders,” 1 only synthetic cannabinoids.
Marinol is a drug approved by the FDA in 1985, and its active ingredient is Dronibal, the synthetic version of THC. The creation of Marinol was originally intended for cancer patients who suffer from nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy. According to a study, there is “Considerable evidence demonstrat[ing] that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system regulates nausea and vomiting in humans and other animals,” 2 which explains why it works so well for those who are battling nausea and vomiting while going through chemotherapy.
The active ingredient Dronibal, however, has also been reported in two case studies to have shown “Improvement in quality of life, mood stability, and severity of mood and comorbid conditions,” 1 signaling its potential efficacy in treating mood disorders.
Ten experienced cannabis users were studied for a period of 23 days to determine its effectiveness on increasing performance in the workplace. Those tested worked non-standard shifts, meaning rotating from day to night shifts. Cannabis was shown to reduce mood disruption in these individuals. Though the case of mood disruption was because of the abrupt change in schedule, the balancing effect cannabis had on their mood indicates promising results in treating mood disruptions. 5
Nabilone is another synthetic derivative of THC, and its involvement in studies generated a success as a possible treatment option for mood disruptive disorders. “Nabilone was associated with a 26.5% improvement in ‘generalized anxiety scores’” 1 in a small study of patients also taking an antidepressant medication for mixed anxiety and mood disorders.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is “Estimated 21.4% of U.S. adults experience any mood disorder at some time in their lives,” while “an estimated 9.7% of U.S. adults had any mood disorder in the past year.” Of those 9.7%, it is thought that 45% of people had a serious impairment. 3
Research shows that mood disorders are the leading cause of those aged 13-17 to undergo hospitalization, while roughly 16 million Americans reported having at least one major depressive episode in the last year. Research also shows that 90% of people who die by suicide have an underlying mood disorder. 4
Extensive research has provided modern medicine with proven cures for various diseases, but there is a multi-faceted approach to treating mood disorders. While a few of these various treatment plans help patients, a lot of people go through life never securing a solid mental health treatment plan. In other words, there are plenty of people that are suffering, and even dying, at the hands of their mental health conditions. Looking at all of the evidence we have proving that mood disorders are a crisis in the United States should give us enough of a reason to demand that there be more research on the mental health front. If synthetic cannabinoids are showing potential in improving mood disorders, it is worth it to take the necessary steps to explore the raw cannabis plant, in addition to synthetic cannabinoids, as a viable and respected option for treating those disorders.
