Abstract Details

Title The Use of Medical Cannabis in the Treatment Comorbid Anxiety and Depression

Topic General Neurology

Presentation(s) General Neurology Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 091

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of medical cannabis in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Background According to the NIMH, anxiety and depression affect the American adult population at rates of 19.1% and 7.1%. Incidence of anxiety and depression is highest amongst females at 23.4% & 8.7% respectively as compared to males at 14.3% & 5.3% respectively. With medical cannabis (MC) legal in 33 states, MC may present as a treatment option for patients with anxiety and/or depression.

Design/Methods This retrospective chart analysis was conducted on patients with comorbid anxiety and depression as diagnosed by a board-certified neurologist in a neurologic outpatient setting in New York State. Patients were certified to use MC as part of New York State’s Medical Marijuana Program.

Results 101 (82=female, 19=male) patients aged 23-87 years with anxiety and depression medicating with benzodiazepines and selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRI/SNRIs) were included. Symptomatic benefit was appreciated in 88.12% (n=89) on MC treatment, with 23.76% reporting improvement in anxiety (n=24) and 2.97% reporting improvement in depression (n=3). Benzodiazepine usage was reduced in 42.57%, with 13.86% discontinuing. SSRI/SNRI usage was reduced in 20.79%, with 18.81% discontinuing. These results were most commonly achieved using one MC product (69.31%), with 75.25% of patients utilizing sublingual administration via tincture. 20:1 and 1:1 (THC:CBD) ratio products were most commonly associated with positive outcomes. Only 22.77% (n=23) of the population reported side effects with the most common being somnolence (2.97%). One patient discontinued as a result of side effect and no serious AEs were reported.

Conclusions MC is well-tolerated in patients with anxiety and depression, and may play a role in one’s ability to reduce benzodiazepine and/or SSRI/SNRI medication consumption. Efficacy and medication reduction was most often exhibited in those using 20:1 and 1:1 (THC:CBD) ratios. Further investigations, including randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

Authors/Disclosures
Laszlo Mechtler, MD, FEAN, FASN, FAHS, FAAN (Dent Neurologic Institute) PRESENTER	Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Impel Pharma. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Abbvie. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Abbvie. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for Genomate Health. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from The Harry Dent Family Foundation, Inc. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Alpheus medical. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Shiratronics. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Abbvie Inc. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Amgen. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Eli Lilly Company. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from H. Lundbeck HS. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Pfizer. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $100,000-$499,999 for serving as a Ownership interest with Neurology Practce Consortium GPO. Dr. Mechtler has a non-compensated relationship as a Board member with International Headache Society that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
	No disclosure on file
Paul B. Hart	Mr. Hart has nothing to disclose.
Vincent H. Bargnes III	Mr. Bargnes has received research support from Harry Dent Family Foundation.

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