Cannabidiol Effects on Fear Extinction in Social Phobia

Launched by HARTFORD HOSPITAL · Nov 7, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, on reducing fear in people with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Participants will be randomly assigned to take either CBD or a placebo (a non-active substance) to see if CBD helps them feel less anxious during a special exercise designed to reduce fear. The trial aims to find out if taking CBD can make it easier for people with SAD to overcome their fears.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be at least 18 years old and have a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder that is moderate to severe. They should be able to speak, read, and write in English, as the study materials are only available in that language. Participants will undergo some assessments and may continue taking other medications if they don’t interfere with CBD. It’s important to note that certain individuals, such as those with severe mental health issues or specific medical conditions, will not be able to participate. If you’re interested in taking part, you’ll need to provide consent and be willing to follow the study guidelines.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 18 and above
• • 2. Any gender
• • 3. Any race/ethnicity
• • 4. Primary diagnosis of SAD according to the DIAMOND
• • 5. At least moderate severity of SAD as evidenced by a DIAMOND severity rating of 4 (moderate) or higher
• • 6. Able to speak, read and write English (this is necessary because the study measures are only validated in English)
• • 7. Concurrent medications will be allowed so long as there is not a substantial risk of interaction with CBD
• • 8. Able/willing to consent to participate in study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. \<18 years old
• • 2. Active substance use disorder or mania according to the DIAMOND
• • 3. Severe risk of suicide or non-suicidal self-injury in the interviewer's judgment
• • 4. Current or past schizophrenia spectrum disorder according to the DIAMOND
• • 5. Developmental disability, including autism spectrum disorder, according to clinical interview
• • 6. History of organic brain illness or head injury with loss of consciousness \> 5 minutes
• • 7. Liver function abnormalities as detected by liver functioning test
• • 8. History of allergic reaction to CBD according to clinical interview
• • 9. Unable or unwilling to abstain from CBD or tetrahydrocannabinol use for 24 hr prior to study participation
• • 10. Pregnancy or lack of adequate contraception
• • 11. Any clinical factors that would preclude the participant from providing informed consent or otherwise participating in the research, according to the interviewer's judgment