O uso de canabinóides no tratamento da ansiedade

Abstract

The pathophysiology of anxiety involves numerous systems, structures and neurotransmitters, and there may be several mechanisms of action that are influenced by environmental factors. Three important brain structures, the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex are known to be involved in anxiogenesis. The endocannabinoid system is present in the same anxiogenesis structures, with the action of its cannabinoids and receptors. The present study constitutes a literature review with the aim of verifying the relationship and effects of exogenous cannabinoids on anxiety. The current pharmacological treatment is shown to be ineffective and harmful to the patient, presenting numerous adverse effects, high risk of dependence, low efficacy in some disorders, and often treating only somatic effects. Considering the therapeutic effects exerted by cannabinoids on various deseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cerebral ischemia, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, nausea and anxiety disorders) and the relationship of the endocannabinoid system with the pathophysiology of anxiety when acting concomitantly in with similar structures, promising results were demonstrated with the use of CBD and THC, obtaining anxiolytic effects and showing safety in terms of use. However, it is still necessary to carry out more tests to confirm the real effects, considering that some tests showed conflicting results, where there was no anxiolytic effect and others with anxiogenic effects.