Muller-Vahl et al conducted a randomized study, including a placebo-effect in within subject design. This study involved 12 adult participants with Tourette’s Syndrome …show more content…
Therefore, participants were instructed to hold the use of marijuana for at least a week before the study. Through randomization, Participants were first given 9-THC or the placebo for two days. After 14 days, they were given the other treatment. Every patient consumed different doses of 9-THC according to their body weight, sex, age, and prior use of marijuana. Four participants received 5.0 mg 9-THC, six received 7.5 mg, and two received 10.0 mg. Blood samples were measured in various time frames in order to measure plasma concentration of THC and its metabolites, 11-hydroxy-9-tetrahydrocannabil (11-OH-THC) and 11-not-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH).
Simple linear regression analysis was used to measure the relationship between clinical ratings and the maximum plasma concentration of THC, 11-OH-THC, and THC-COOH. The results showed a significant correlation between tic movement and the maximum plasma concentration of 11-OH-THC. In addition, there was a significant correlation between 9-THC and maximum plasma level of 11-OH-THC. This may indicate that improvement of TS is caused by highly active …show more content…
Muller-Vahl et al indicated that there was significant improvement in motor and vocal tics. As of treatment efficacy, 9-THC treatment therapy has reduced tics in 10 of 12 participants in the study. Even though, the study indicated better improvement in patients who received 7.5 mg and 10.0 dosages of 9-THC. This may indicate that the efficacy of the treatment relates to the dosage of 9-THC. However, Muller-Vahl indicated that the dosage depended on body weight, sex, age, and prior use of marijuana. In the present study, treatment therapy with 9-THC seems to be beneficial in reducing motor and vocal tics. However, it may be debatable whether dopamine antagonists or 9-THC treatment is better in treating people with TS. Even though this study was a double-blind placebo controlled, a larger number of participants should be considered. Every person responds to 9-THC treatment differently and this difference should be taken into