Activation of the Endocannabinoid System and Cognition

Activation of the Endocannabinoid System and Cognition (Effekte Einer Akuten Aktivierung Des Cannabinoid-Systems Auf Kognitive Funktionen)

Recent data suggest that the cannabinoid-system is involved in stress regulation and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Low endocannabinoid signaling has been found in PTSD patients and might even present a precondition to develop PTSD after trauma. The aim of the current project is to investigate the impact of an activation of the cannabinoid system with an exogenous cannabinoid (dronabinol, i.e., delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) on fear conditioning.

Recent data suggest that the cannabinoid-system is involved in stress regulation and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Low endocannabinoid signaling has been found in PTSD patients and might even present a precondition to develop PTSD after trauma. In consequence, increased endocannabinoid signaling during acquisition and consolidation of traumatic events might be a promising approach to prevent the development of PTSD. The aim of the current project is to investigate the impact of an activation of the cannabinoid system with an exogenous cannabinoid (dronabinol, i.e., delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) on tfear conditioning in patients with PTSD and healthy controls.

Inclusion Criteria:

• PTSD criteria fullfilled (patients only)

Exclusion Criteria:

• All cases of physical illnesses and intake of medication (except oral contraceptives) (healthy controls only) will be excluded.
• Pregnant and lactating individuals will also be excluded. Participants with a positive urinary cannabinoid test (Cannabis 20 Pipettier-Drogenschnelltest (Urin), Diagnostik Nord GmbH) will also be excluded.
• psychiatric disorder according to DSM-5 (healthy controls only)