UK Medical Cannabis Registry: an analysis of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for generalized anxiety disorder

Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology Volume 15, 2022 - Issue 4
2022
Mehmet Ergisi, Simon Erridge, Michael Harris, Michal Kawka, Devaki Nimalan, Oliver Salazar, Katerina Loupasaki, Rayyan Ali, Carl Holvey, Ross Coomber, Michael Platt, James J Rucker & Mikael H Sodergren

ABSTRACT

Objectives

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common reasons for seeking treatment with cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs). Current pharmacological treatments are variable in efficacy and the endocannabinoid system has been identified as a potential therapeutic target. This study aims to detail the changes in health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) and clinical safety following CBMP therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.

Methods

A case series from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry was performed. Primary outcomes included changes from baseline in patient-reported outcome measures (the General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), EQ-5D-5L (a measure of health-related quality of life), and Sleep Quality Scale (SQS)) at 1, 3 and 6 months. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.050.

Results

Sixty-seven patients were treated for generalized anxiety disorder. Statistically significant improvements were observed in GAD-7, EQ-5D-5L Index Value, EQ5D Visual Analog Scale, and SQS scores at 1, 3 and 6 months (p<0.050). Twenty-five (39.1%) patients reported adverse events during the follow-up period.

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