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The term mood disorders describes a group of mental health conditions that are characterised by persistent periods of strong emotions, such as intense sadness and hopelessness or hypomania and elation. The two most common mood disorders are depression disorders and bipolar disorders. Although medical cannabis is not a suitable treatment for all mood disorders, cannabis-based treatments may be able to assist some patients with depression disorders manage their symptoms.
Am I eligible?people in the UK are affected by mood disorders, and they are more likely to affect women, say NHS.
people around the world are believed to have depression according to World Health Organisation.
Average depression scores fall by almost 50% within 3 months of medical cannabis treatment shows T21 data.
of UK adults would consider using medical cannabis treatments, according to representative research.
“Having a medical cannabis card makes me feel better - and that counts“
Daisy, Releaf Patient
October 2023
Articles on Mood disorders
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Our bodies contain an intensely complex network of receptors, enzymes and neurotransmitters, each playing a vital role in our overall functioning, health, and wellness. Dopamine and serotonin, for example, are two neurotransmitters known for their role in mood, pleasure, and motivation. So, what can we do to give our bodies a natural boost of these important chemicals?
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The brain is an incredibly complex organ, made up of billions of nerve cells that collectively control almost every aspect of human functioning. But, did you know that the brain also contains more receptors for cannabinoids alone, than it does for serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine combined?
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As we head into the spring and out of the dark, cold months of winter, we’re shedding some light on how the changing seasons play an often overlooked role in our mental health. From ‘Blue Monday’ to ‘Yellow Day’, we’ll explore seasons' significance in common mental health struggles and the role of medical and wellness interventions.
21. 03. 2024
Intense or persistent sadness
Elated ‘highs’ (hypomania)
Issues with self-worth
Problems with sleep
Issues with energy levels
Trouble concentrating
Changes in appetite
Suicidal thoughts
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
When treating or managing the symptoms of mood disorders, there are a number of conventional treatment options available. Psychotherapy courses such as CBT, or DBT are typically recommended, and a number of medications may be considered to calm symptoms, or their interference with daily life.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Mood stabilisers
Anticonvulsants
Antipsychotics
Clinic Director
Since 2018, medical cannabis and cannabis-based medicinal products have been a legally available treatment option for patients with a range of health conditions, if they have been struggling to manage their symptoms with the medicines licensed for their condition.
Patients with certain types of mood disorder, such as depressive disorders, may be eligible for cannabis-based options if other treatments have been failing to meet their needs, or have caused unwanted and unpleasant side effects.
Although research is ongoing, at the moment the evidence in this field is limited when compared with other condition based clinical trials or investigations involving cannabis-based medicines.
Real life evidence, gathered from patient surveys and observational studies, demonstrates medical cannabis can be effective in helping to combat the symptoms of depression, and also improve quality of life scores for some patients.
However, there is also evidence to suggest that medical cannabis is not an appropriate treatment option for all mood disorders. This is why it is essential that medical cannabis treatments for mood disorders are overseen by qualified healthcare professionals, like those that work for Releaf.
