Modulation of fear and anxiety by the endogenous cannabinoid system.
Jasmeer P Chhatwal, Kerry J. Ressler
CNS Spectrums March 2007 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852900020939 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Key findings | Argues that the cannabinoid system modulates the neural circuitry mediating anxiety and fear responses, including the acquisition, expression, and extinction of conditioned fear. Preclinical studies suggest compounds acting on this system, from antagonists to reuptake and breakdown inhibitors, may be emerging targets for treating anxiety disorders. |
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed remarkable progress in the understanding of the mammalian cannabinoid system, from the cloning of the endogenous cannabinoid receptor to the discovery of new pharmacologic compounds acting on this receptor. Current and planned studies in humans include compounds with effects ranging from direct antagonists to inhibitors of reuptake and breakdown. This progress has been accompanied by a much greater understanding of the role of the cannabinoid system in modulating the neural circuitry that mediates anxiety and fear responses. This review focuses on the neural circuitry and pharmacology of the cannabinoid system as it relates to the acquisition, expression, and extinction of conditioned fear as a model of human anxiety. Preclinical studies suggest that these may provide important emerging targets for new treatments of anxiety disorders.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on anxiety, most cited first.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review General (healthcare, schools, workplace) | 2021 | Review | |
| A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders | 2017 | Review and consensus statement | |
| Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines | 2005 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Meditation and Psychopathology | 2018 | Review | |
| Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: Challenges and Strategies | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Cannabinoid Modulation of Amygdala Subregion Functional Connectivity to Social Signals of Threat The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology December 28, 2014
- The Endocannabinoid System in PTSD: Molecular Targets for Modulating Fear and Anxiety. Pharmacopsychiatry March 2026
- Cannabinoid Modulation of Frontolimbic Activation and Connectivity During Volitional Regulation of Negative Affect. Neuropsychopharmacology June 2016
- The Role of Cannabinoids in Modulating Emotional and Non-Emotional Memory Processes in the Hippocampus Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience June 7, 2011
- Chemoenzymatic synthesis and cannabinoid activity of a new diazabicyclic amide of phenylacetylricinoleic acid. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters June 1, 2010