Role of CBD in Regulating Meal Time Anxiety in Anorexia Nervosa
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2023-05-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
No studies of cannabidiol (CBD) have focused on Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Dose, side effects,
tolerability, acceptability of pure CBD in AN must be established. The current study is an
important first step in the investigation of CBD for AN. Cannabis products have been recently
legalized in many states, and CBD in particular has been shown to reduce anxiety. Therefore,
CBD may represent a promising new treatment for AN. The endocannabinoid system is involved in
the regulation of functions relevant to eating disorders. Furthermore, data suggest that
eating disorders are associated with alterations of the endocannabinoid system. Prior
attempts to target the endocannabinoid system in AN have focused on CB1 receptor agonists
that can increase anxiety. Moreover, CBD may be particularly beneficial in decreasing anxiety
in AN via its action at serotonin receptors. Lastly, the impact of CBD on eating behavior and
weight in AN must be determined. The current study seeks to explore these hypotheses using
the aims in the following section.