Mood Disorders medical cannabis treatment

The term mood disorders describes a group of mental health conditions that are characterised by persistent periods of strong emotions, such as intense sadness and hopelessness or hypomania and elation. The two most common mood disorders are depression disorders and bipolar disorders. Although medical cannabis is not a suitable treatment for all mood disorders, cannabis-based treatments may be able to assist some patients with depression disorders manage their symptoms.

Am I eligible?

1 in 5

people in the UK are affected by mood disorders, and they are more likely to affect women, say NHS.

280 Million

people around the world are believed to have depression according to World Health Organisation.

50%

Average depression scores fall by almost 50% within 3 months of medical cannabis treatment shows T21 data.

of UK adults would consider using medical cannabis treatments, according to representative research.

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Symptoms

Changes in appetite

Elated ‘highs’ (hypomania)

Intense or persistent sadness

Issues with energy levels

Issues with self-worth

Problems with sleep

Suicidal thoughts

Trouble concentrating

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.

Treatment options:

When treating or managing the symptoms of mood disorders, there are a number of conventional treatment options available. Psychotherapy courses such as CBT, or DBT are typically recommended, and a number of medications may be considered to calm symptoms, or their interference with daily life.

Anticonvulsants

Antipsychotics

Mood stabilisers

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Find out if you may be eligible for medical cannabis mood disorder treatments here
Am I eligible?

A word from our specialist

“There is now good real-world evidence that medical cannabis provides excellent mood-uplifting effects as well as reducing the crippling effects of anxiety. When prescribed in a controlled manner in a clinical setting such as here at Releaf, patients have a clinical touch point with a Consultant so that, should their mental health deteriorate whilst in receipt of a prescription, their condition may be expertly managed without undue delay.“
Dr David Tang

Clinic Director

Are people with mood disorders eligible for medical cannabis treatment?

Since 2018, medical cannabis and cannabis-based medicinal products have been a legally available treatment option for patients with a range of health conditions, if they have been struggling to manage their symptoms with the medicines licensed for their condition. 

Patients with certain types of mood disorder, such as depressive disorders, may be eligible for cannabis-based options if other treatments have been failing to meet their needs, or have caused unwanted and unpleasant side effects. 

Although research is ongoing, at the moment the evidence in this field is limited when compared with other condition based clinical trials or investigations involving cannabis-based medicines.

Real life evidence, gathered from patient surveys and observational studies, demonstrates medical cannabis can be effective in helping to combat the symptoms of depression, and also improve quality of life scores for some patients.

However, there is also evidence to suggest that medical cannabis is not an appropriate treatment option for all mood disorders. This is why it is essential that medical cannabis treatments for mood disorders are overseen by qualified healthcare professionals, like those that work for Releaf.

Learn how Releaf works