[Cannabinoid Drugs in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders - Data from the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices].

BACKGROUND

Since 2017 physicians in Germany can prescribe cannabis based medicines or medical cannabis with subsequent funding by the statutory health insurance system.

METHODS

Physicians prescribing cannabinoid drugs were legally required to take part in a survey conducted by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. This study analyses data from 16.809 case reports that were collected from 30.3.2017 to 31.12.2021.

RESULTS

There were 5582 cases documenting the use of cannabinoid drugs in psychiatric disorders. More than half of the prescriptions were Dronabinol. 80% of the treatments concerned somatoform disorders. Most of the treatments for other psychiatric disorders also targeted pain. Doctors reported a positive effect on symptoms in at least 75% of the cases.

DISCUSSION: Most patients with psychiatric disorders received cannabinoid drugs for pain. The evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials for the use of cannabinoid drugs in psychiatric indications is weak.