The effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the recognition of emotions in facial expressions: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Giordano Novak Rossi, Flávia L Osório, Celia J A Morgan, José Alexandre S Crippa, José Carlos Bouso, Juliana Mendes Rocha, Antônio W Zuardi, Jaime E C Hallak, Rafael G Dos Santos

Journal: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews 2021;118():236-246

PMID: 32745478

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are phytocannabinoids being linked with modulation of anxiety and depression. The recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is impaired in these disorders. Both drugs could modulate anxiety and mood by interfering with REFE. Thus, a systematic review of controlled trials assessing the effects of THC and CBD on REFE was performed. Ten studies describing seven distinct experiments were found (n = 170). THC (7.5-15 mg) did not alter REFE in three experiments, but reduced task performance in other three experiments. CBD did not alter REFE in two experiments, but improved task performance and counteracted the effects of THC in one experiment. THC (≥ 10 mg) and CBD (600 mg) showed opposite effects on brain activation, skin conductance, and anxiety measures with negative/threatening faces. The limited number of studies precludes firm conclusions on the effects of these substances on REFE. Further controlled trials are needed to elucidate the effects of THC and CBD on REFE. The PROSPERO ID for this study is CRD42019135085.

Address: Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK; Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].; ICEERS Foundation (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Services), Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil; ICEERS Foundation (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Services), Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.07.034

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MeSH Terms: Cannabidiol, Dronabinol, Emotions, Facial Expression, Humans, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic