Endocannabinoid signalling is involved in the regulation of the stress response, human memory processes, and inflammation, and might hence be altered in Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In contrast to blood measurements of endocannabinoids, which are likely influenced by daily and situational fluctuations, the assessment in hair is more reliable and stable.

We therefore investigated PTSD-associated differences in hair concentrations of endocannabinoids in 38 Ugandan rebel war survivors with PTSD, and 38 matched healthy controls.

The investigated endocannabinoids (N-acyl-ethanolamides palmitoylethanolamide [PEA], oleoylethanolamide [OEA] and stearoylethanolamide [SEA]) showed a strong negative association with PTSD symptom severity.

Our findings support the hypothesis that targeting the endocannabinoid system could represent an interesting pharmacological treatment option for PTSD.