USE OF CANNABINOIDS IN THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS: EVIDENCE AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have been investigated as potential therapeutic agents for the management of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and schizophrenia. This integrative review aimed to analyze the available scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in these disorders, as well as the challenges associated with their clinical application. The findings indicate that CBD has promising anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antipsychotic effects, possibly mediated by the modulation of 5-HT1A, TRPV1, and CB1 receptors. However, THC has demonstrated a bidirectional action, being able to both alleviate psychiatric symptoms and exacerbate them, especially in individuals predisposed to psychotic or bipolar disorders. Despite the favorable preliminary results, there are still significant gaps in the literature, such as the lack of standardization in doses and formulations, the heterogeneity of studies, and the absence of long-term clinical trials. Thus, it is concluded that, although cannabinoids have therapeutic potential for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, more research is needed to establish safe and effective guidelines for their incorporation into clinical practice.