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Bortolato M, Braccagni G, Pederson CA, Floris G, Fite PJ. "Weeding out" violence? Translational perspectives on the neuropsychobiological links between cannabis and aggression. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR 2024; 78:101948. [PMID: 38828012 PMCID: PMC11141739 DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2024.101948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent shifts in societal attitudes towards cannabis have led to a dramatic increase in consumption rates in many Western countries, particularly among young people. This trend has shed light on a significant link between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and pathological reactive aggression, a condition involving disproportionate aggressive and violent reactions to minor provocations. The discourse on the connection between cannabis use and aggression is frequently enmeshed in political and legal discussions, leading to a polarized understanding of the causative relationship between cannabis use and aggression. However, integrative analyses from both human and animal research indicate a complex, bidirectional interplay between cannabis misuse and pathological aggression. On the one hand, emerging research reveals a shared genetic and environmental predisposition for both cannabis use and aggression, suggesting a common underlying biological mechanism. On the other hand, there is evidence that cannabis consumption can lead to violent behaviors while also being used as a self-medication strategy to mitigate the negative emotions associated with pathological reactive aggression. This suggests that the coexistence of pathological aggression and CUD may result from overlapping vulnerabilities, potentially creating a self-perpetuating cycle where each condition exacerbates the other, escalating into externalizing and violent behaviors. This article aims to synthesize existing research on the intricate connections between these issues and propose a theoretical model to explain the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning this complex relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Giulia Braccagni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Casey A. Pederson
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gabriele Floris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paula J. Fite
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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Kolla NJ, Tully J, Bertsch K. Neural correlates of aggression in personality disorders from the perspective of DSM-5 maladaptive traits: a systematic review. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:330. [PMID: 37884552 PMCID: PMC10603082 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02612-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published in 2013, includes an alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD) focusing on a maladaptive trait model utilized to diagnose several personality disorders. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) are two conditions categorized by AMPD that exhibit high rates of violence and aggression. Several of the traits outlined in the AMPD, including hostility, impulsivity, risk-taking, and callousness, have been previously linked to aggression in BPD and ASPD. However, to the best of our knowledge, there has never been a synthesis of neuroimaging studies that have investigated links between these traits and aggression in BPD and ASPD. To overcome this gap, we conducted a systematic review under the PRISMA framework to locate neuroimaging articles published since the release of AMPD linking trait anger/hostility, impulsivity, risk-taking, and callousness to aggression in BPD and ASPD. Key findings included the following: i) anger/hostility, associated with alterations in the interplay between prefrontal and subcortical regions (primarily the amygdala), may be a common factor explaining aggressive reactions to response to interpersonal threat or provocation; ii) alterations of fronto-temporal-limbic regions and serotonergic and endocannabinoid signaling systems may link impulsivity to aggression in BPD and ASPD; iii) weaker cortico-striatal connectivity could relate to greater risk taking and greater proclivity for violence. Insufficient evidence from neuroimaging articles was discerned to describe a relationship between callousness and aggression. Overall, results of this review reveal a relative paucity of neuroimaging studies examining AMPD traits relevant to aggression in BPD and ASPD. In addition to encouraging further investigation of neuroimaging markers of AMPD traits linked to aggression, we recommend multi-methodological designs, including the incorporation of other biomarkers, such as hormones and indices of physiological arousal, to fully expand our understanding of aggression in BPD and ASPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Kolla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| | - John Tully
- Academic Unit of Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Katja Bertsch
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- NeuroImagine Core Unit Munich (NICUM), University Hospital LMU, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Royse SK, Lopresti BJ, Mathis CA, Tollefson S, Narendran R. Beyond monoamines: II. Novel applications for PET imaging in psychiatric disorders. J Neurochem 2023; 164:401-443. [PMID: 35716057 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Early applications of positron emission tomography (PET) in psychiatry sought to identify derangements of cerebral blood flow and metabolism. The need for more specific neurochemical imaging probes was soon evident, and these probes initially targeted the sites of action of neuroleptic (dopamine D2 receptors) and psychoactive (serotonin receptors) drugs. For nearly 30 years, the centrality of monoamine dysfunction in psychiatric disorders drove the development of an armamentarium of monoaminergic PET radiopharmaceuticals and imaging methodologies. However, continued investments in monoamine-enhancing drug development realized only modest gains in efficacy and tolerability. As patent protection for many widely prescribed and profitable psychiatric drugs lapsed, drug development pipelines shifted away from monoamines in search of novel targets with the promises of improved efficacy, or abandoned altogether. Over this period, PET radiopharmaceutical development activities closely parallelled drug development priorities, resulting in the development of new PET imaging agents for non-monoamine targets. In part two of this review, we survey clinical research studies using the novel targets and radiotracers described in part one across major psychiatric application areas such as substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. Important limitations of the studies described are discussed, as well as key methodologic issues, challenges to the field, and the status of clinical trials seeking to exploit these targets for novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Royse
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brian J Lopresti
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chester A Mathis
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Savannah Tollefson
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rajesh Narendran
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Alsaafin A, Chenoweth MJ, Sylvestre MP, O'Loughlin J, Tyndale RF. Genetic variation in fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH): Associations with early drinking and smoking behaviors. Addict Behav 2023; 137:107545. [PMID: 36403489 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system is implicated in psychiatric disorders and drug dependence. Within this system, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) metabolizes endocannabinoids. Individuals with A-group genotypes (C/A or A/A) of a common FAAH variant (rs324420; C > A; Pro129Thr) have slower enzymatic activity compared to C-group individuals (C/C genotype). Slow FAAH activity is differentially associated with alcohol and nicotine use. METHODS Among European-ancestry participants in the NDIT study (n = 249-607), genotype associations with past-year binge drinking in young adults were estimated in logistic regression models. In adolescents, hazard ratios (HR) were estimated from Cox proportional hazards models to assess the FAAH genotype group association with time to drinking initiation and attaining drinking frequency outcomes. HR were also used to assess genotype effect on time to smoking initiation and attaining early smoking milestones (e.g., first inhalation, ICD-10 dependence). RESULTS Compared to those in the C-group, those in the A-group had higher odds of binge drinking at ages 20 (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.16, 95 % CI 1.36-3.42) and 30 (OR = 1.61, 95 % CI 1.10-2.36). Time to initiation of drinking and daily drinking was faster in adolescents in the A-group (HR = 1.39, 95 % CI 1.09-1.77 and HR = 2.24, 95 % CI 1.05-4.76, respectively). Time to smoking initiation was faster in the A-group (HR = 1.20, 95 % CI 1.04-1.39); however, time to smoking milestones among adolescent smokers was not consistently different for the A- versus C-groups (HR = 0.43 to 1.13). CONCLUSIONS Slow FAAH activity (A-group) was associated with greater risks for binge drinking, drinking initiation and escalation, and cigarette smoking initiation, but had little impact on the escalation in cigarette smoking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Alsaafin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan J Chenoweth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Sylvestre
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jennifer O'Loughlin
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Rachel F Tyndale
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Santoso AD, De Ridder D. Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase: An Integrative Clinical Perspective. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:56-76. [PMID: 35900294 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is one of the main terminating enzymes of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Since being discovered in 1996, the modulation of FAAH has been viewed as a compelling alternative strategy to obtain the beneficial effect of the ECS. With a considerable amount of FAAH-related publication over time, the next step would be to comprehend the proximity of this evidence for clinical application. Objective: This review intends to highlight the rationale of FAAH modulation and provide the latest evidence from clinical studies. Methods: Publication searches were conducted to gather information focused on FAAH-related clinical evidence with an extension to the experimental research to understand the biological plausibility. The subtopics were selected to be multidisciplinary to offer more perspective on the current state of the arts. Discussion: Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that FAAH was highly expressed not only in the central nervous system but also in the peripheral tissues. As the key regulator of endocannabinoid signaling, it would appear that FAAH plays a role in the modulation of mood and emotional response, reward system, pain perception, energy metabolism and appetite regulation, inflammation, and other biological processes. Genetic variants may be associated with some conditions such as substance/alcohol use disorders, obesity, and eating disorder. The advancement of functional neuroimaging has enabled the evaluation of the neurochemistry of FAAH in brain tissues and this can be incorporated into clinical trials. Intriguingly, the application of FAAH inhibitors in clinical trials seems to provide less striking results in comparison with the animal models, although some potential still can be seen. Conclusion: Modulation of FAAH has an immense potential to be a new therapeutic candidate for several disorders. Further exploration, however, is still needed to ensure who is the best candidate for the treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anugrah D Santoso
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Dirk De Ridder
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Hosseinzadeh Anvar L, Ahmadalipour A. Fatty acid amide hydrolase C385A polymorphism affects susceptibility to various diseases. Biofactors 2023; 49:62-78. [PMID: 36300805 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is an important neuromodulatory system with its extensive network of receptors throughout the human body that has complex actions in the nervous system, immune system, and all of the body's other organs. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an important membrane-bound homodimeric degrading enzyme that controls the biological activity of N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) in the eCB system and other relevant bioactive lipids. It has been shown that several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FAAH are associated with various phenotypes and diseases including cardiovascular, endocrine, drug abuse, and neuropsychiatric disorders. A common functional and most studied polymorphism of this gene is C385A (rs324420), which results in the replacement of a conserved proline to threonine in the FAAH enzyme structure, leads to a reduction of the activity and expression of FAAH, compromises the inactivation of AEA and causes higher synaptic concentrations of AEA that can be associated with several various phenotypes. The focus of this review is on evidence-based studies on the associations of the FAAH C385A polymorphism and the various diseases or traits. Although there was variability in the results of these reports, the overall consensus is that the FAAH C385A genotype can affect susceptibility to some multifactorial disorders and can be considered a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hosseinzadeh Anvar
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Ahmadalipour
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Romero-Martínez Á, Sarrate-Costa C, Moya-Albiol L. Reactive vs proactive aggression: A differential psychobiological profile? Conclusions derived from a systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104626. [PMID: 35331815 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Scholars have established subcategories of aggressive behavior in order to better understand this construct. Specifically, a classification based on motivational underpinnings makes it possible to differentiate between reactive and proactive aggression. Whereas reactive aggression is characterized by emotional lability, which means it is prone to impulsive reactions after provocation, proactive aggression is driven by low emotionality and high levels of instrumentality to obtain benefits. Some authors have conceived these two types as having a dichotomous nature, but others argue against this conceptualization, considering a complementary model more suitable. Hence, neuroscientific research might help to clarify discussions about their nature because biological markers do not present the same biases as psychological instruments. AIM The main objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of studies that assess underlying biological markers (e.g., genes, brain, psychophysiological, and hormonal) of reactive and proactive aggression. METHODS To carry out this review, we followed PRISMA quality criteria for reviews, using five digital databases complemented by hand-searching. RESULTS The reading of 3993 abstracts led to the final inclusion of 157 papers that met all the inclusion criteria. The studies included allow us to conclude that heritability accounted for approximately 45% of the explained variance in both types of aggression, with 60% shared by both, especially, for overt and physical expression forms, and 10% specific to each type. Regarding allelic risk factors, whereas low functioning variants affecting serotonin transport and monoaminoxidase increased the risk of reactive aggression, high functioning variants were associated with proactive aggression. Furthermore, brain analysis revealed an overlap between the two types of aggression and alterations in the volume of the amygdala and temporal cortex. Moreover, high activation of the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) facilitated proneness to both types of aggression equally. Whereas stimulation of the right ventrolateral (VLPFC) and dorsolateral (DLPFC) reduced proneness to aggression, inhibition of the left DLPFC increased it. Finally, psychophysiological and hormonal correlates in general did not clearly differentiate between the two types because they were equally related to each type (e.g., low basal cortisol and vagal variability in response to acute stress) CONCLUSIONS: This study reinforces the complementary model of both types of aggression instead of a dichotomous model. Additionally, this review also offers background about several treatments (i.e., pharmacological, non-invasive brain techniques…) to reduce aggression proneness.
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Kolla NJ, Boileau I, Bagby RM. Higher trait neuroticism is associated with greater fatty acid amide hydrolase binding in borderline and antisocial personality disorders. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1126. [PMID: 35064143 PMCID: PMC8782862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04789-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) are the two most frequently diagnosed and researched DSM-5 personality disorders, and both are characterized by high levels of trait neuroticism. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), has been linked to regulation of mood through modulation of anandamide, an endocannabinoid. We hypothesized that prefrontal cortex (PFC) FAAH binding would relate to trait neuroticism in personality disorders. Thirty-one individuals with personality disorders (20 with BPD and 11 with ASPD) completed the investigation. All participants completed the revised NEO Personality Inventory, which yields standardized scores (e.g., T scores) for the traits of neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and extraversion. All participants were medication free and were not utilizing illicit substances as determined by drug urinalysis. Additionally, none of the participants had a comorbid major depressive episode, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, or substance use disorder. Each participant underwent one [11C]CURB PET scan. Consistent with our hypothesis, neuroticism was positively correlated with PFC FAAH binding (r = 0.42, p = 0.021), controlling for genotype. Neuroticism was also positively correlated with dorsal putamen FAAH binding (r = 0.53, p = 0.0024), controlling for genotype. Elevated brain FAAH is an endophenotype for high neuroticism in BPD and ASPD. Novel pharmacological therapeutics that inhibit FAAH could emerge as potential new treatments for BPD and ASPD with high neuroticism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Kolla
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College Street, Room 626, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada. .,Waypoint/University of Toronto Research Chair in Forensic Mental Health Science, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada.
| | - Isabelle Boileau
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College Street, Room 626, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R Michael Bagby
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College Street, Room 626, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Endocannabinoid markers in autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review of human studies. Psychiatry Res 2021; 306:114256. [PMID: 34775294 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and patterns of restrictive and repetitive behavior. Although the neurological underpinnings of ASD remain elusive, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may play a role in modulating social behavior in ASD. Preclinical studies have suggested that alterations in the ECS result in ASD-like phenotypes, but currently no reviews have examined ECS abnormalities in human studies. This scoping review investigated any evidence of ECS alterations in humans with ASD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted and five studies were eligible for review. Three studies reported a significant reduction of anandamide in ASD compared to controls. Other alterations included decreased 2-arachidonoylglycerol, oleoylethanolamide, and palmitoylethanolamide and elevated diacylglycerol lipase and monoacylglycerol lipase. Some discrepant findings were also noted, which included elevated or reduced CB2 receptor in three studies and elevated or reduced N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D and fatty acid amide hydrolase in two studies. We conclude from this preliminary investigation that the ECS may be altered in humans with ASD. Potential limitations of the reviewed studies include medication use and psychiatric comorbidities. Further research, such as positron emission tomography studies, are necessary to fully understand the relationship between ECS markers and ASD.
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Ney LJ, Crombie KM, Mayo LM, Felmingham KL, Bowser T, Matthews A. Translation of animal endocannabinoid models of PTSD mechanisms to humans: Where to next? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:76-91. [PMID: 34838529 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is known to be involved in mechanisms relevant to PTSD aetiology and maintenance, though this understanding is mostly based on animal models of the disorder. Here we review how human paradigms can successfully translate animal findings to human subjects, with the view that substantially increased insight into the effect of endocannabinoid signalling on stress responding, emotional and intrusive memories, and fear extinction can be gained using modern paradigms and methods for assessing the state of the endocannabinoid system in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Ney
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia; School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
| | - Kevin M Crombie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Leah M Mayo
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Kim L Felmingham
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Allison Matthews
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia
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