How cannabis use affects people with Bipolar Disorder

[Panich52]

How cannabis use affects people with Bipolar Disorder

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sciencedaily/strange_science/~3/rbiIxPahPVo/150313130855.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email

The first study to examine the use of cannabis in the context of daily life
among people with Bipolar Disorder has shown how the drug is linked to
increases in both manic and depressive symptoms. 

[Tsiyu]

1. Interesting but needs more study

The thing about cannabis is that there are so many strains that produce different effects. Sativas tend to make one more energetic and focused, while indicas are excellent for pain relief and as a sedative - they will make you sleep like a baby.

So the "science" of cannabis really needs to take into account the type of flower they are using and its chemical makeup before they can determine what works and what is detrimental to the patient.

I know for PTSD, it really helps a great deal. And I know a bi-polar gal whose doctor TOLD her to try cannabis - even here where it's illegal - because whatever strain she used was really helping her stay calm and non-manic. Anecdotal, but far more study is needed before any conclusive answers are evident.

[hunter]

2. Oh for goodness sakes...

Last edited Sat Mar 14, 2015, 04:20 PM - Edit history (1)

Posted with my emphasis:

Twenty-four participants with bipolar disorder type I or type II completed diaries for 6 days using Experience Sampling Methodology to investigate the temporal associations between cannabis, affect and bipolar disorder symptoms.

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118916

That's not enough hook to hang a white coat on.

For what it's worth, bipolar people should be very, very careful with ANY drug. Many people are diagnosed as bipolar when anti-depressants launch them into some of the worst manic states they've ever experienced.

It makes sense too. People go to the doctor when they are depressed. A doctor may prescribe an antidepressant. People don't go to the doctor when they are manic unless their behavior is so over-the-top that other people drag them to a doctor.

(Disclaimer: this is not any professional advice; it's nothing more than my personal anecdotal experience with bipolar friends and family...)