CBD shows most promise for psychosis and anxiety, but clinical evidence remains thin across all psychiatric disorders
A scoping review found only 16 controlled studies of CBD for psychiatric disorders, with the most promising evidence for psychotic symptoms and anxiety but insufficient evidence for clinical use in any condition.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Only 16 randomized controlled trials or within-subject studies met inclusion criteria. Studies covered psychotic disorders (6), anxiety (3), tobacco use (3), cannabis use (2), opioid use (1), and insomnia (1). No eligible studies existed for alcohol, stimulant use disorder, PTSD, ADHD, autism, or mood disorders. CBD was generally safe and well tolerated.
Key Numbers
2,952 articles screened. 16 studies included. Distribution: psychosis (6), anxiety (3), tobacco (3), cannabis (2), opioid (1), insomnia (1). Zero studies for PTSD, ADHD, autism, mood disorders, alcohol, or stimulant use disorders.
How They Did This
Scoping review searching PubMed and PsycINFO for "cannabidiol" plus major psychiatric disorders. Of 2,952 articles screened, 16 randomized controlled trials or within-subject studies were included.
Why This Research Matters
Despite enormous public and commercial interest in CBD for mental health, only 16 controlled studies exist across all psychiatric disorders. This quantifies the evidence gap clinicians face when patients ask about CBD.
The Bigger Picture
The mismatch between public enthusiasm for CBD as a mental health treatment and the tiny evidence base of 16 controlled studies highlights how far clinical research lags behind consumer behavior.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Scoping review, not systematic review or meta-analysis. Limited to controlled trials, which may exclude relevant observational data. Rapidly evolving field may have new studies since publication.
Questions This Raises
- ?Will ongoing clinical trials change this picture?
- ?Should clinicians discourage CBD use for psychiatric conditions not yet studied, or is the safety profile sufficient to allow cautious use?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 2,952 articles screened; only 16 controlled studies found
- Evidence Grade:
- Scoping review with rigorous inclusion criteria that reveals the small size of the controlled evidence base.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders.
- Published In:
- Psychiatry research, 308, 114347 (2022)
- Authors:
- Kirkland, Anna E(5), Fadus, Matthew C, Gruber, Staci A(11), Gray, Kevin M, Wilens, Timothy E, Squeglia, Lindsay M
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03966
Evidence Hierarchy
Maps out the available research on a broad question.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can CBD treat mental health conditions?
Out of 2,952 articles screened, only 16 controlled studies were found across all psychiatric disorders. The most promising preliminary findings relate to psychotic symptoms and anxiety, but there is not enough evidence to recommend clinical use.
Is CBD safe for psychiatric patients?
CBD was generally found to be safe and well tolerated across the 16 studies reviewed, though this limited evidence base means long-term safety in psychiatric populations is not fully established.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03966APA
Kirkland, Anna E; Fadus, Matthew C; Gruber, Staci A; Gray, Kevin M; Wilens, Timothy E; Squeglia, Lindsay M. (2022). A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders.. Psychiatry research, 308, 114347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114347
MLA
Kirkland, Anna E, et al. "A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders.." Psychiatry research, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114347
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric di..." RTHC-03966. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/kirkland-2022-a-scoping-review-of
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.