Pure delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its combination with cannabidiol in treatment-resistant Tourette syndrome: A case report

Int J Psychiatry Med. 2019 Mar;54(2):150-156. doi: 10.1177/0091217418791455. Epub 2018 Jul 30.

Abstract

Objectives: Anecdotal reports and preliminary studies suggest a therapeutic potential of cannabis in Tourette syndrome. We report the case of a female patient suffering from treatment-resistant Tourette syndrome.

Methods: Guideline-directed antipsychotic treatment with risperidone and aripiprazole as well as pure delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol had no significant effect on Tourette syndrome symptomatology.

Results: Following administration of a daily dosage of 10 mg delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol combined with 20 mg cannabidiol (CBD), the patient showed a rapid and highly significant improvement in the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale.

Conclusions: It can be speculated whether the beneficial effects may rely on the pharmacological properties of cannabidiol.

Keywords: Tourette syndrome; cannabidiol; cannabis; delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; tic disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cannabidiol / administration & dosage
  • Cannabidiol / pharmacology*
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / administration & dosage
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / pharmacology*
  • Dronabinol / administration & dosage
  • Dronabinol / pharmacology*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tourette Syndrome / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Cannabidiol
  • Dronabinol