An ingredient in cannabis called cannabidiol or CBD has shown promise in a clinical trial as a potential new treatment for psychosis, scientists said on Friday. In research involving 88 people with psychosis, a mental disorder characterized by anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations - the scientists found patients treated with CBD had lower levels of psychotic symptoms than those who received a placebo. They were also more likely to be rated as "improved" by their psychiatrist, the study found, and there were signs of better cognitive performance and functioning.
The main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. It can induce paranoia and anxiety and other unpleasant psychotic symptoms. But its second major constituent, CBD, has the opposite effects to THC - leading scientists to think it might one day be useful as a treatment for mental health.…
