Authors:

Zuardi AW, Crippa JA, Hallak JE, Pinto JP, Chagas MH, Rodrigues GG, Dursun SM, Tumas V.

Abstract:

The management of psychosis in Parkinson’s disease

(PD) has been considered a great challenge for clinicians and there is a
need for new pharmacological intervention. Previously an antipsychotic
and neuroprotective effect of Cannabidiol
(CBD) has been suggested. Therefore, the aim of the present study was
to directly evaluate for the first time, the efficacy, tolerability and
safety of CBD on PD patients
with psychotic symptoms. This was an open-label pilot study. Six
consecutive outpatients (four men and two women) with the diagnosis of
PD and who had psychosis for at least 3 months were selected for the
study. All patients
received CBD in flexible dose (started with an oral dose of 150 mg/day)
for 4 weeks, in addition to their usual therapy. The psychotic symptoms
evaluated by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Parkinson
Psychosis Questionnaire showed a significant decrease under CBD
treatment. CBD did not worsen the motor function and decreased the total
scores of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease
Rating Scale. No adverse effect was observed during the treatment.
These preliminary data suggest that CBD may be effective, safe and well
tolerated for the treatment of the psychosis in PD.