Toward a translational approach to targeting the endocannabinoid system in posttraumatic stress disorder: a critical review of preclinical research.
Biol Psychol
; 104: 8-18, 2015 Jan.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25448242
ABSTRACT
Despite the lack of clinical research, marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids have been approved to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in several states in the United States. This review critically examines preclinical research on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in order to evaluate three key questions that are relevant to PTSD (1) Does ECS dysfunction impact fear extinction? (2) Can stress-related symptoms be prevented by ECS modulation? (3) Is the ECS a potential target for enhancing PTSD treatment? Disruption of the ECS impaired fear extinction in rodents, and ECS abnormalities have been observed in PTSD. Targeting fear memories via the ECS had mixed results in rodents, whereas augmented cannabinoid receptor activation typically facilitated extinction. However, the translational value of these findings is limited by the paucity and inconsistency of human research. Further investigation is necessary to determine whether incorporating cannabinoids in treatment would benefit individuals with PTSD, with cautious attention to risks.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Métodos Terapéuticos y Terapias MTCI:
Plantas_medicinales
Asunto principal:
Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático
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Cannabinoides
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Endocannabinoides
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Extinción Psicológica
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Miedo
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Biol Psychol
Año:
2015
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos