PTSD and Cannabis Medications in Australia

By: Chronic Therapy Team

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and debilitating mental health condition affecting many Australians, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. As the search for effective treatments continues, there has been growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis medications, such as cannabidiol (CBD) oil and medical cannabis.

This article will explore the nature of PTSD, its symptoms, prevalence, and impact on mental health in Australia, as well as the current treatments available, including the emerging evidence on the use of cannabis medications. We will also discuss the legal status of PTSD as a disability in Australia and provide guidance on how to support someone living with this condition.


  1. What is PTSD
  2. Symptoms of PTSD
  3. How Common is PTSD in Australia?
  4. Causes of PTSD
  5. PTSD and Insomnia
  6. PTSD and Mental Health
  7. Tips for Managing PTSD
  8. Is PTSD a Disability in Australia?
  9. Treatments for PTSD
  10. CBD Oil and PTSD
  11. Medical Cannabis and PTSD
  12. How to Support Someone with PTSD
  13. Conclusion


1. What is PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in some individuals after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as natural disasters, violent assaults, or military combat[1]. PTSD is characterised by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviours, negative changes in mood and cognition, and increased arousal or reactivity[1].


2. Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD are categorised into four main clusters[1]:

  • Intrusion: Recurrent, involuntary, and distressing memories or dreams of the traumatic event, as well as dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) where the individual feels as though the event is reoccurring.
  • Avoidance: Persistent efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or situations that are reminders of the traumatic event.
  • Negative alterations in mood and cognition: Persistent negative beliefs, distorted blame of self or others, feelings of detachment, and diminished interest in previously enjoyed activities.
  • Alterations in arousal and reactivity: Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.

3. How Common is PTSD in Australia?

PTSD is relatively common in Australia, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting that approximately 4.4% of Australians aged 16-85 have experienced PTSD in their lifetime[2]. The prevalence of PTSD is higher among military personnel and veterans, with studies suggesting that up to 8.3% of Australian Defence Force members may experience PTSD in a 12-month period[3].


4. Causes of PTSD

While many individuals experience traumatic events, not all develop PTSD. Factors that increase the risk of developing PTSD include the severity of the trauma, a history of childhood abuse or other trauma, a family history of mental health disorders, and inadequate social support following the traumatic event[4,5]. Additionally, individual differences in genetics and brain functioning may contribute to the development of PTSD[6].


5. PTSD and Insomnia

Insomnia is a common symptom of PTSD, with up to 70% of individuals with PTSD reporting difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep[7]. Sleep disturbances in PTSD can contribute to other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, and can negatively impact overall quality of life[7].


6. PTSD and Mental Health

PTSD often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders[1]. These comorbid conditions can complicate the treatment and recovery process, making it essential for individuals with PTSD to receive comprehensive mental health care.


7. Tips for Managing PTSD

Managing PTSD often involves a combination of professional treatment and self-help strategies. Some tips for managing PTSD symptoms include:

  • Seek professional help from a mental health professional experienced in treating PTSD[8].
  • Develop a support network of understanding friends, family, and peers who can offer encouragement and assistance[9].
  • Engage in regular physical activity, as exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD and improve overall mental health[10].
  • Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation, to reduce stress and anxiety[11].
  • Limit exposure to triggers and reminders of the traumatic event, when possible[8].
  • Create a consistent sleep routine and practice good sleep hygiene to improve insomnia related to PTSD[7].

8. Is PTSD a Disability in Australia?

In Australia, PTSD is considered a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA)[12]. This means that individuals with PTSD are protected from discrimination in various areas, such as employment, education, and access to goods and services. Employers and service providers are required to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of individuals with PTSD, provided that such adjustments do not cause undue hardship.


9. Treatments for PTSD

There are several evidence-based treatments for PTSD. They are split into two categories, psychological and pharmacological interventions.

Psychological treatments

  • Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)[13],
  • Prolonged exposure therapy (PE)[14], and
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)[15].

Pharmacological Treatments

  • Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), have also been found to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms[16].

10. CBD Oil and PTSD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Recent studies have suggested that CBD may have potential therapeutic benefits for individuals with PTSD, such as reducing anxiety and improving sleep[17]. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage, duration, and mode of administration for CBD in the treatment of PTSD.-


11. Medical Cannabis and PTSD

Medical cannabis has been investigated as a potential treatment for PTSD, with some studies reporting improvements in sleep, anxiety, and overall quality of life[18]. However, the use of medical cannabis for PTSD remains controversial, and more research is needed to establish its safety and efficacy. In Australia, access to medicinal cannabis products is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and these products can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner under specific circumstances[19].

We would recommend booking a consultation with a Chronic Therapy doctor if you believe that a cannabis medication may help your condition. Our doctors are Authorised Prescribers for cannabis medications in Australia and can screen you to see if you are a suitable patient for the treatment.


12. How to Support Someone with PTSD

Supporting someone with PTSD requires patience, understanding, and empathy. Some ways to support a loved one with PTSD include:

  • Encourage them to seek professional help and offer assistance in finding a mental health professional experienced in treating PTSD[8].
  • Listen to their feelings and experiences without judgment, and avoid offering unsolicited advice or attempting to "fix" their problems[9].
  • Educate yourself about PTSD and its symptoms to better understand what your loved one is going through[1].
  • Be patient with their progress, as recovery from PTSD can be a slow and challenging process[8].
  • Encourage them to engage in self-help strategies and healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and establishing a regular sleep routine[10,11].


13. Conclusion

PTSD is a common mental health condition in Australia that can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. While there are several effective treatments for PTSD, including psychological therapies and medications, emerging evidence suggests that CBD oil and medical cannabis may offer additional therapeutic benefits for some individuals with PTSD. Supporting someone with PTSD involves patience, understanding, and encouragement as they navigate the recovery process.

If you are suffering from PTSD and would like to speak to a doctor about medical cannabis, you can book an initial consultation with a Chronic Therapy doctor. The doctor can screen you for a variety of cannabis treatments. If you are deemed suitable, we can arrange for the medication to be delivered to your door.

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References

  1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
  2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2008). National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of results (Cat. No. 4326.0). Canberra, Australia: Author.
  3. McFarlane, A. C., Hodson, S. E., Van Hooff, M., & Davies, C. (2017). Mental health in the Australian Defence Force: 2010 ADF Mental Health and Wellbeing Study: Full report. Department of Defence.
  4. Brewin, C. R., Andrews, B., & Valentine, J. D. (2000). Meta-analysis of risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in trauma-exposed adults. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(5), 748-766.
  5. Ozer, E. J., Best, S. R., Lipsey, T. L., & Weiss, D. S. (2003). Predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder and symptoms in adults: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 129(1), 52-73.
  6. Yehuda, R., & LeDoux, J. (2007). Response variation following trauma: A translational neuroscience approach to understanding PTSD. Neuron, 56(1), 19-32.
  7. Talbot, L. S., Maguen, S., Metzler, T. J., Schmitz, M., McCaslin, S. E., Richards, A., ... & Neylan, T. C. (2014). Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Sleep, 37(2), 327-341.
  8. Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2007). Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: Emotional processing of traumatic experiences therapist guide. Oxford University Press.
  9. Price, M., van Stolk-Cooke, K., & Legrand, A. C. (2015). Supporting others and yourself after a traumatic event: A guide for victims and their support network. National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
  10. Rosenbaum, S., Vancampfort, D., Steel, Z., Newby, J., Ward, P. B., & Stubbs, B. (2015). Physical activity in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 230(2), 130-136.
  11. Kearney, D. J., McDermott, K., Malte, C., Martinez, M., & Simpson, T. L. (2012). Association of participation in a mindfulness program with measures of PTSD, depression and quality of life in a veteran sample. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 68(1), 101-116.
  12. Australian Human Rights Commission. (n.d.). Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Retrieved from https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/legal/legislation#dda
  13. Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2008). Cognitive processing therapy: Veteran/military version: Therapist and patient materials manual. Washington, DC: Department of Veterans Affairs.
  14. Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A.,& Cahill, S. P. (2006). Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: Emotional processing of traumatic experiences. Oxford University Press.
  15. Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
  16. Stein, D. J., Ipser, J. C., & Seedat, S. (2009). Pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2009(1), CD002795.
  17. Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041.
  18. Bonn-Miller, M. O., Babson, K. A., & Vandrey, R. (2014). Using cannabis to help you sleep: Heightened frequency of medical cannabis use among those with PTSD. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 136, 162-165.
  19. Therapeutic Goods Administration. (2021). Access to medicinal cannabis products. Retrieved from https://www.tga.gov.au/access-medicinal-cannabis-products