Understanding Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Anxiety disorders are a growing concern in the UK and globally. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), the most prevalent type, affects approximately 5-10% of people in the UK. Individuals with GAD experience excessive and uncontrollable worry, often accompanied by physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, muscle tension, and irritability. These symptoms can significantly impact their quality of life, affecting work, relationships, and daily activities.
Traditional Treatments for Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Current treatment options for GAD include psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, whilst these are effective treatments, many individuals still find that they are insufficient in managing their anxiety.
Medical Cannabis and Generalised Anxiety Disorder
In recent years, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a potential target for anxiety disorders, including GAD. Medical cannabis, containing compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is now available in the UK for GAD and other conditions for people who haven’t responded to first line therapies. However, robust evidence supporting its use in mental health remains limited.
Curaleaf Clinic’s Commitment to Research: The UK Medical Cannabis Registry
To address this evidence gap, Curaleaf Clinic (formerly Sapphire Medical Clinic) established the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. This pioneering registry tracks real-world outcomes of patients prescribed medical cannabis for various conditions, including GAD.
Key Findings from the Registry on Generalised Anxiety Disorder
In a recent study, UK Medical Cannabis Registry data explored the effects of different medical cannabis formulations on GAD patients. The study assessed patient-reported outcomes, including anxiety levels, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.
The main findings from the study included:
- Changes in Anxiety: Patients prescribed medical cannabis for up to 12 months showed changes in anxiety severity.
- Changes in Sleep: These individuals also reported changes in sleep quality
- Changes in Quality of Life: This resulted in participants reporting an overall change in their health-related quality of life.
- Adverse Events: One in five participants reported an adverse event, with dry mouth and insomnia being the most common. Cannabis naïve individuals were the most likely to report an adverse event.
While the initial results are encouraging, the study also highlighted the need for further investigation. Some improvements lessened after 12 months, suggesting the potential for tolerance or the need for adjusted treatment strategies.
Curaleaf Access Scheme
Curaleaf Clinic is deeply grateful to all the patients participating in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Your contributions are invaluable in advancing our understanding of medical cannabis and its potential to help those living with GAD. By joining the Curaleaf Access Scheme, new and existing patients can reduce the cost of their ongoing care, whilst also contributing to this integral research initiative.
Curaleaf Clinic remains dedicated to generating high-quality evidence through the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. This research is crucial in improving patient care and informing future treatment guidelines for medical cannabis in the UK.
