Researchers at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine have embarked on a first-of-its-kind clinical trial to explore the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for bipolar depression.
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health ailment characterized by drastic mood swings and poses a profound challenge for affected individuals. Depressive episodes, marked by deep sadness, hopelessness, diminished interest in activities, sleep disturbances, and heightened suicide risk, represent a significant aspect of this condition.
Despite available treatments, an unmet need for more efficacious and tolerable therapies persists.
Endorsed by Health Canada and generously funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the groundbreaking trial seeks to investigate whether CBD can effectively manage acute bipolar depression in conjunction with primary treatment modalities.
Dr. Lakshmi Yatham, professor and head of UBC’s department of psychiatry and the principal investigator of the study, underscores the trial’s importance, stating, “Bipolar disorder is a complex condition, with depression often posing the greatest burden for patients. This trial marks a significant step forward in exploring innovative, much-needed treatments for bipolar disorder.”
The trial aims to recruit approximately 360 participants from various locations across Canada, including the UBC Mood Disorders Centre in Vancouver, B.C., and other sites in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Despite evidence suggesting that CBD may have benefits for various mental and physical health conditions, no extensive clinical studies have been conducted to assess the safety and efficacy in bipolar depression.
In a pilot study published last year, UBC researchers demonstrated promising early results suggesting that CBD should be further studied in bipolar depression. The new trial aims to build on these findings, providing additional data on the safety and efficacy of CBD in a larger, national patient population.
“Our pilot trial showed signals for efficacy of CBD which provided an impetus for this large trial,” says Dr. Yatham. “If proven effective, this has the potential to provide significant benefits to patients by helping effectively managing their symptoms and improving their overall quality of life.”
