Open AccessCannabinoid modulation of corticolimbic activation to threat in trauma-exposed adults: a preliminary study
Author(s) -
Christine A. Rabinak,
Ashley Blanchette,
Nicole L. Zabik,
Craig Peters,
Hilary A. Marusak,
Allesandra Iadipaolo,
Farrah Elrahal
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
psychopharmacology/psychopharmacologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.378
H-Index - 196
eISSN - 1432-2072
pISSN - 0033-3158
DOI - 10.1007/s00213-020-05499-8
Subject(s) - amygdala , psychopathology , psychology , functional magnetic resonance imaging , anxiety , anterior cingulate cortex , basolateral amygdala , prefrontal cortex , cannabinoid , neuroscience , clinical psychology , medicine , psychiatry , cognition , receptor
Excessive fear and anxiety, coupled with corticolimbic dysfunction, are core features of stress- and trauma-related psychopathology, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Interestingly, low doses of ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can produce anxiolytic effects, reduce threat-related amygdala activation, and enhance functional coupling between the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex and adjacent rostral cingulate cortex (mPFC/rACC) during threat processing in healthy adults. Together, these findings suggest the cannabinoid system as a potential pharmacological target in the treatment of excess fear and anxiety. However, the effects of THC on corticolimbic functioning in response to threat have not be investigated in adults with trauma-related psychopathology.