The anxiolytic effect of cannabidiol depends on the nature of the trauma when patients with post-traumatic stress disorder recall their trigger event

Objectives: We assessed whether administering cannabidiol (CBD) before recalling the traumatic event that triggered their disorder attenuates anxiety in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As an exploratory pilot analysis, we also investigated whether this effect depends on the nature of the event (sexual vs. nonsexual trauma). Methods: Thirty-three patients of both sexes with PTSD were recruited and randomized 1:1 into two groups. One group received oral CBD (300 mg), and the other received a placebo before listening to a digital audio playback of their previously recorded report of the trigger event. Subjective and physiological measurements were taken before and after recall. We analyzed the data in two subsamples: trigger events involving sexual and nonsexual trauma. Results: In the nonsexual trauma group, the differences between measurements before and after recall were significantly smaller with CBD than placebo; this held true for anxiety and cognitive impairment. However, in the sexual trauma group, the differences were non-significant for both measurements. Conclusion: A single dose of CBD (300mg) attenuated the increased anxiety and cognitive impairment induced by recalling a traumatic event in patients with PTSD when the event involved nonsexual trauma.

The anxiolytic effect of cannabidiol depends on the nature of the trauma when patients with post-traumatic stress disorder recall their trigger event.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed whether administering cannabidiol (CBD) before recalling the traumatic event that triggered their disorder attenuates anxiety in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As an exploratory pilot analysis, we also investigated whether this effect depends on the nature of the event (sexual vs. nonsexual trauma). METHODS: Thirty-three patients of both sexes with PTSD were recruited and randomized 1:1 into two groups. One group received oral CBD (300 mg), and the other received a placebo before listening to a digital audio playback of their previously recorded report of the trigger event. Subjective and physiological measurements were taken before and after recall. We analyzed the data in two subsamples: trigger events involving sexual and nonsexual trauma. RESULTS: In the nonsexual trauma group, the differences between measurements before and after recall were significantly smaller with CBD than placebo; this held true for anxiety and cognitive impairment. However, in the sexual trauma group, the differences were non-significant for both measurements. CONCLUSION: A single dose of CBD (300mg) attenuated the increased anxiety and cognitive impairment induced by recalling a traumatic event in patients with PTSD when the event involved nonsexual trauma.

Effects of cannabidiol on symptoms induced by the recall of traumatic events in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Studies with cannabidiol (CBD) suggest that this compound has anxiolytic properties and may mediate the reconsolidation and extinction of aversive memories. The objective of this study was to test whether the administration of CBD 300 mg before the recall of traumatic events attenuated symptoms usually induced by recall in subjects diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and if its potential effects interfere with the reconsolidation of aversive memories. The double-blind trial included 33 participants of both sexes, aged between 18 and 60 years, diagnosed with PTSD according to the SCID-5 and randomly allocated to two groups treated with CBD (n = 17) and placebo (n = 16). In the first experimental section, participants were matched by sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and PTSD symptoms as assessed with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5). On the same day, participants prepared the behavior test, recording accounts of their traumas in digital audio for a minute and a half and then imagining the trauma for 30 s. After 7 days, participants received CBD (300 mg) or placebo and performed the behavioral test, listening to the trauma account and imagining themselves in that situation. Before and after the behavioral test, subjective changes in mood and anxiety were recorded (Visual and Analogical Mood Scale - VAMS and STAI-state), along with physiological correlates of anxiety blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and salivary cortisol (SC). Seven days later, participants underwent the same procedures as the previous session, but without the pharmacological intervention, to assess the effect on reconsolidation of traumatic memories. We found that CBD significantly attenuated the increase in the VAMS scale cognitive impairment factor scores, under the CBD's effect, with this effect remaining 1 week after drug administration. No significant differences between the effects of CBD and placebo on anxiety, alertness, and discomfort induced by the recall of the traumatic event during the pharmacological intervention and in the subsequent week, in the absence of it. There were no significant differences between the CBD and placebo groups regarding physiological data (BP, HR, and SC). The attenuation of cognitive impairments during trauma recall under the effect of CBD may have interfered with the reconsolidation of traumatic memories concerning its association with cognitive impairments.

Pharmacological interventions during the process of reconsolidation of aversive memories: A systematic review.

Reconsolidation is the return of a memory to a transient state of lability, following memory consolidation, that can occur when memories are evoked. During the process of reconsolidation, memories may be modified by different means, including the administration of drugs, during a period called the "reconsolidation window". This process has been widely studied in animals, but human studies are limited and include several methodological pitfalls. Our objective was to conducte a systematic review of the literature that utilizes pharmacological interventions during the process of reconsolidation of aversive memories in humans, with a critical analysis of the methodologies used. Searches were made in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SciELO using the following search terms: (memory) AND (consolidation OR reconsolidation) AND (pharmacological manipulation OR pharmacological intervention). We found 294 references and ten (3.4%) were included in the review, based on preestablished eligibility criteria. All studies were randomized, double-blind clinical trials. The most commonly studied drug was propranolol. Two studies used a protocol involving autobiographical aversive memories, while in the remaining aversive memories were produced in the laboratory. The timing of pharmacological interventions is a controversial issue in the field, as drug activity must occur within the reconsolidation window. The small number of studies and some methodological difficulties of this type of research highlights the need for studies that individually evaluate some of the issues discussed, particularly the timing of pharmacological interventions and the duration of reconsolidation windows.

Changes in Cortisol Awakening Response Before and After Development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Which Cannot be Avoided with Use of Cannabidiol: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown attenuated cortisol awakening response in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CASE PRESENTATION: A 15-year-old girl, a survivor of acute sexual violence, received a 7-day oral treatment with cannabidiol. She was followed-up from the first 24 hours after the event for 6 months, for assessment of the effects of this treatment on the reconsolidation of memories related to the traumatic event. DISCUSSION: Cannabidiol treatment did not prevent the onset of PTSD. Cortisol awakening responses after the onset of the disorder were attenuated compared with those observed in the same individual before the onset of PTSD, in line with previous evidence from studies comparing groups with and without PTSD.

Psychometric properties and diagnostic utility of a Brazilian version of the PCL-5 (complete and abbreviated versions).

Background: With the release of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL) has been updated to meet the revisions of the diagnostic criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, the diagnostic utility and reliability of a Brazilian version of the new Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) have not been investigated yet. Objective: To investigate the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and diagnostic utility of the complete version (21-item) and two abbreviated (8-item and 4-item) versions of the Brazilian PCL-5. Methods: A total of 85 individuals with a history of exposure to at least one traumatic event underwent a diagnostic interview using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5-CV) and completed the Brazilian version of the PCL-5. Moreover, participants were invited to complete the checklist for a second time 10-30 days after the first assessment. Results: Both the complete and abbreviated versions of the Brazilian PCL-5 showed good internal consistency (complete PCL-5, α = .96; 8-item, α = .93; 4-item, α = .85) and test-retest reliability (complete PCL-5, ICC .87 [95% CI, 0.65-0.95]; 8-item, ICC .84 [95% CI, 0.60-0.94]; 4-item, ICC .84 [95% CI, 0.58-0.94]). Diagnostic utility analyses using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5-CV) revealed that a cutoff point of 36 presented the higher overall efficiency for predicting a PTSD diagnosis Overall Efficiency (OE, .80) and corresponded to Youden's index J (.65). For the 8-item version, a cutoff point of 13 corresponded to Youden's index J (.61), while scores of 21 or more were associated with the highest OE (.78). For the 4-item PCL-5, scores > 7 presented the highest OE (.77) and corresponded to Youden's index J (.59). Conclusions: Overall, the findings provide relevant evidence regarding the high reliability and diagnostic utility of this Brazilian version of the PCL-5.

Antecedentes: con la publicación de la quinta edición del Manual de Diagnóstico y Estadístico para los Trastornos Mentales (DSM-5), el Cuestionario para el Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático (PCL) se ha actualizado para cumplir con las revisiones de los criterios de diagnósticos del trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT). Sin embargo, la utilidad diagnóstica y la confiabilidad de una versión brasileña del nuevo cuestionario de trastorno de estrés postraumático (PCL-5) aún no se ha investigado.Objetivo: investigar la consistencia interna, la confiabilidad test-retest y la utilidad diagnóstica de la versión completa (21 ítems) y dos versiones abreviadas (8 y 4 ítems) del PCL-5 brasileño.Métodos: Un total de 85 individuos con antecedentes de exposición, al menos, a un evento traumático se sometieron a una entrevista diagnóstica utilizando la entrevista clínica estructurada para el DSM-5 (SCID-5-CV) y completaron la versión brasileña del PCL-5. Además, los participantes fueron invitados a completar el cuestionario por segunda vez entre 10 y 30 días después de la primera evaluación.Resultados: Tanto la versión completa como las abreviadas de la PCL-5 brasileña mostraron una buena consistencia interna (PCL-5 completa, α = .96; 8 ítem, α = .93; 4-item, α = .85) y confiabilidad test-retest (PCL-5 completa, ICC .87 [IC 95%, .65 - .95]; 8 ítems, ICC .84 [IC 95%, 0.60 - 0.94]; 4 ítems, ICC .84 [IC 95%, 0.58] - 0,94]). Los análisis de utilidad diagnóstica que utilizaron el SCID-5-CV revelaron que un punto de corte de 36 presentó la mayor eficiencia general para predecir un diagnóstico de TEPT (OE, .80) y correspondió al índice J de Youden (.65). Para la versión de 8 ítems, un punto de corte de 13 correspondió al índice J de Youden (.61), mientras que las puntuaciones de 21 o más se asociaron con el OE más alto (.78). Para el PCL-5 de 4 ítems, los puntajes> 7 presentaron el OE más alto (.77) y correspondieron al índice J de Youden (.59).Conclusiones: En conjunto, los hallazgos proporcionan evidencia relevante con respecto a la alta confiabilidad y utilidad diagnóstica de esta versión brasileña del PCL-5.

A compilação de triagem de transtornos mentais específicos pode detectar transtornos mentais gerais / Specific mental disorder screening compilation may detect general mental disorders / La compilación de la selección de trastornos mentales específicos puede detectar los trastornos mentales generales

Objetivo: Avaliar se um compilado breve de instrumentos de triagem, para transtornos mentais específicos, pode detectar transtornos mentais e emocionais na população geral. Método: Foram selecionados instrumentos de triagem validados para os transtornos mentais e emocionais mais prevalentes. Como critério de seleção, esses instrumentos deveriam manter as propriedades psicométricas do instrumento completo com apenas um ou alguns itens. Os instrumentos selecionados foram: o Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), o Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), o item 3 do Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), e três itens do Adolescent Psychotic-Like Symptom Screener (APSS-3). Esse compilado de instrumentos de triagem foi chamado de Mini Rastreio para Transtornos Mentais (Mini-RTM). O estudo foi dividido em duas fases: na primeira, 545 sujeitos foram entrevistados com o instrumento de triagem Mini-RTM e COOP/WONCA-Sentimentos em suas residências; na segunda fase, os sujeitos que concordaram em participar (230) foram entrevistados com o Mini-RTM, COOP/WONCA-Sentimentos e a entrevista diagnóstica MINI. A confiabilidade teste-reteste foi calculada pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). A área sob a curva ROC foi gerada para a análise da validade discriminativa. A validade concorrente foi calculada pela análise da correlação entre o Mini-RTM e o COOP/WONCA-Sentimentos. Resultados: A administração conjunta dos instrumentos de triagem para transtornos específicos mostrou sensibilidades que variaram de 0,76 a 0,88 e especificidades que variaram de 0,67 a 0,85. O valor do ICC para o escore total do Mini-RTM foi de 0,78. A área sob a curva para a detecção dos transtornos mentais foi de 0,84, com sensibilidade de 0,74 e especificidade de 0,76 (ponto de corte ≥ 4). Conclusão: Esse estudo mostrou que um compilado breve de instrumentos de rastreio para transtornos mentais específicos (Mini-RTM) pode detectar transtornos mentais e emocionais na população geral.

Objective: To evaluate whether a short compilation of screening tools for specific disorders could identify Mental or Emotional Disorders (MEDs) in the general population. Methods: We selected validated screening tools for the most prevalent MEDs. In order to be selected, these tools should maintain the psychometric properties of the complete instrument with a reduced number of items. These instruments were: Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), item 3 of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and three items on the Adolescent Psychotic-Like Symptom Screener (APSS-3). We called this compilation of screening tools Mini Screening for Mental Disorders (Mini-SMD). The study was divided in two phases. Firstly, 545 subjects were interviewed with the Mini-SMD and COOP/WONCA-Feelings at their residences. Subsequently, subjects who had agreed to participate (230) were reinterviewed with Mini-SMD, COOP/ WONCA-Feelings and MINI interview. Test-retest reliability was calculated by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for the analysis of discriminative validity. Concurrent validity was calculated by analyzing the correlation between Mini-SMD and COOP/WONCA-Feelings. Results: The joint administration of screening tools for specific disorders showed sensitivities that ranged from 0.76 to 0.88 and specificities from 0.67 to 0.85. The ICC value for the total score of Mini-SMD was 0.78. The area under the curve was 0.84, with a sensitivity of 0.74 and specificity of 0.76 (for a cutoff ≥ 4). Conclusion: This study showed that a short compilation of screening tools for specific disorders can detect MEDs in general population.

Objetivo: Evaluar si un breve compilado de herramientas de detección para trastornos mentales específicos puede detectar los trastornos mentales y emocionales en la población general. Método: Herramientas de detección validadas para los trastornos emocionales y mentales más frecuentes han sido seleccionadas. Como criterios de selección, estas herramientas deberían mantener las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento completo con sólo uno o pocos elementos. Las herramientas seleccionadas fueron: el Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), el Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), el elemento 3 del Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) y tres elementos del Adolescent Psychotic-Like Symptom Screener (APSS-3). Este compilado de herramientas de detección ha sido denominado el Mini Detección para Trastornos Mentales (Mini-DTM). El estudio se dividió en dos etapas. En la primera etapa, 545 sujetos fueron entrevistados en sus residencias con la herramienta de detección Mini-DTM y COOP/WONCA-Sentimientos. En la segunda etapa, a los sujetos que aceptaron participar (230) se entrevistaron con el Mini-DTM, COOP/WONCASentimientos y la entrevista diagnóstica MINI. La fiabilidad evaluar/revaluar fue calculada mediante el Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase (ICC). La Curva ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) fue generada para el análisis de la validez discriminante. La validez concurrente se calculó mediante el análisis de la correlación entre el Mini-DTM y el COOP/WONCA-Sentimientos. Resultados: La administración conjunta de las herramientas de detección para trastornos específicos mostró sensibilidades que oscilaron de 0,76 a 0,88 y especificidades que oscilaron de 0,67 a 0,85. El valor del ICC para la puntuación total del Mini-DTM fue 0,78. El área bajo la curva para la detección de trastornos mentales fue 0,84, con una sensibilidad de 0,74 y especificidad de 0,76 (punto de corte ≥ 4). Conclusión: Este estudio demostró que un breve compilado de herramientas de detección para trastornos mentales específicos (Mini-DTM) puede detectar trastornos mentales y emocionales en la población general.

Impact of different approaches of primary care mental health on the prevalence of mental disorders.

AimTo compare the impact of three different approaches to primary care mental health on the prevalence of mental disorders. BACKGROUND: Millions of people suffer from mental disorders. As entry point into the health service, primary healthcare plays an important role in providing mental health prevention and treatment. METHODS: Random sample of households in three different areas of the city of Ribeirão Preto (state of São Paulo, Brazil) were selected, and 20 trained medical students conducted interviews using a mental health screening instrument, the Mini-Screening of Mental Disorders, and a socio-demographic datasheet. Primary care mental health was provided in each area through a specific approach. The influence of the area of residence and the socio-demographic variables on the prevalence of mental disorder was explored and analyzed by univariate binary logistic regression and then by a multiple logistic regression model.FindingsA total of 1545 subjects were interviewed. Comparison between the three areas showed a significantly higher number of people with mental disorders in the area covered by the primary care team that did not have physicians with specific primary care mental health training, even when this association was adjusted for the influence of age, education, and socio-economic status.Our results suggest that residing in areas with family physicians with mental health training is associated with a lower prevalence of mental disorders.

Estudos psicométricos de instrumentos breves de rastreio para múltiplos transtornos mentais / Psychometric studies of brief screening tools for multiple mental disorders

Objetivo Realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre as características psicométricas de instrumentos breves para rastreamento de múltiplos transtornos mentais em cuidados primários de saúde. Métodos Revisão sistemática da literatura nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO e ISI, de artigos publicados até abril de 2014, utilizando descritores sobre rastreamento breve de múltiplos transtornos mentais em cuidados primários de saúde. Resultados Foram obtidos 277 estudos e selecionados 15 após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Oito estudos analisaram confiabilidade e/ou consistência interna e os resultados mostraram índices bastante satisfatórios. Nos artigos selecionados, estavam presentes as análises das validades preditiva, concorrente e discriminante. Conclusão As escalas de rastreamento são úteis para a triagem de pacientes com possíveis transtornos mentais, e o uso desses instrumentos melhoraria a capacidade de detecção desses transtornos em cuidados primários de saúde. .

Objective Conduct a systematic literature review about psychometric characteristics of brief tools used for screening multiple mental disorders in primary health care. Methods Systematic literature review on PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO and ISI databases until April 2014 using key words related to brief screening of multiple mental disorders in primary health care. Results Were obtained 277 articles; 15 articles were selected after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight articles assessed reliability and/or internal consistency and results showed satisfactory indices. In the selected articles, were present analyzes of predictive validity, concurrent and discriminant. Results ranged from moderate to good. Conclusion Screening scales are useful to identify patients with possible mental disorders and they increase chances of detecting such disorders in primary health care. .