Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Depression: Overview

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...

Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation

Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation

The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent years,...

Gut-Brain Axis

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...

CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids

CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids

CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Brain 5-HT function in bipolar affective disorder.

Acta neuropsychiatrica·2016

Same author

Neuropsychological testing of cognitive impairment in euthymic bipolar disorder: an individual patient data meta-analysis.

Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica·2013

Same author

Neurobiological characterization of bipolar affective disorders : a focus on tardive dyskinesia and soft neurological signs in relation to serum dopamine Beta hydroxylase activity.

Indian journal of psychiatry·2011

Same author

Biomedical benefits of cannabinoids?

Addiction biology·2010

Same author

Climate change and the integrity of science.

Science (New York, N.Y.)·2010

Same author

Review: brief interventions, gradual dose reduction and psychological interventions increase benzodiazepine cessation compared with routine care.

Evidence-based mental health·2009

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

The Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Inducing Anhedonia in Mice

The Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Inducing Anhedonia in Mice

Published on: October 24, 2018

Endocannabinoid system dysfunction in mood and related disorders.

C H Ashton¹, P B Moore

¹Department of Psychiatry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. c.h.ashton@ncl.ac.uk

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

|September 16, 2011

Summary

The endocannabinoid system may be dysfunctional in mood disorders. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD show potential for treating psychiatric conditions, warranting further clinical trials.

More Related Videos

Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice

Administration of Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice

Published on: August 1, 2025

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Published on: August 18, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 29, 2026

The Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Inducing Anhedonia in Mice

The Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Inducing Anhedonia in Mice

Published on: October 24, 2018

Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice

Administration of Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice

Published on: August 1, 2025

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Published on: August 18, 2020

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychiatry
Pharmacology

Background:

The endocannabinoid (EC) system is a widespread neural network modulating brain functions.
Dysregulation of the EC system is implicated in mood and related psychiatric disorders.
Exogenous cannabinoids interact with the EC system, influencing various physiological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in psychiatric disorders.
To review the role of the EC system in mood disorders.
To explore the link between EC system dysfunction and psychiatric conditions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on EC system function and dysfunction.
Analysis of research on exogenous cannabinoids and their effects.
Examination of evidence for cannabinoid efficacy in psychiatric disorders.

Main Results:

The EC system is hypothesized to be dysfunctional in mood disorders, affecting cortical excitation-inhibition balance.
Anandamide, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD) exhibit antidepressant, antipsychotic, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties.
Evidence suggests EC system abnormalities in depression, schizophrenia, and suicide, with CNR1 gene variations noted in psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions:

Further research is required to fully understand the EC system's role in psychiatric disorders.
Clinical trials involving THC, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids are necessary to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy.
Cannabinoids show promise for managing psychiatric conditions, but more evidence is needed.