Pinto, J. V., Crippa, J. A. S., Cereser, K. M., Vianna-Sulzbach, M. F., Silveira, Júnior, E. D. M., Santana Da Rosa, G., … Kauer-Sant’Anna, M. (2024). Cannabidiol as an Adjunctive Treatment for Acute Bipolar Depression: A Pilot Study: Le cannabidiol comme traitement d’appoint de la d ́epression bipolaire aigüe : une ́etude pilote. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 69(4),242–251. https://doi.org/10.1177/07067437231209650.
Rationale: Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a debilitating disorder characterized by shifts of mania and depression. While there are effective treatments, they often come with challenging side effects.
Method: This study evaluated the effects of cannabidiol on depressive episodes in bipolar disorder in 35 adults who were randomly assigned either CBD or a placebo, along with their regular treatment, for 12 weeks. The study included one phone screening and five in-person clinic visits, during which trained clinicians assessed symptoms using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale.
Results: Patients treated with CBD did not differ from those given placebo, therefore there was no evidence of the drug improving mood in bipolar patients taking CBD for 12 weeks.
Meaning: CBD does not appear to benefit bipolar patients.