CBD interacts with multiple receptors in the brain and has been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms by decreasing stress. Furthermore, CBD may assist with treating PTSD by decreasing traumatic memories resurfacing.
CBD exhibits antianxiolytic effects in animal models of generalized anxiety disorder, dependent on 5-HT1AR activation and prelimbic cortex stimulation as well as prior stress exposure.
Benefits
CBD may assist with anxiety, sleep problems and pain by engaging receptors in your brain. CBD can boost levels of serotonin to regulate mood. Furthermore, it interacts with glutamate and GABA chemicals in order to enhance how your body responds to stress and anxiety.
Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of CBD for anxiety and insomnia relief. One such study of young people whose anxiety medicines were no longer working effectively revealed that adding CBD significantly alleviated their symptoms by 2022; further investigation needs to take place to verify this result and explore how it may work.
CBD products are legal to sell in the United States and come in various forms such as pills, oils, tinctures and edibles. You can find it both at health food stores and online. When searching for products made with CBD to look for ones which follow good manufacturing practices that align with pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements as well as products which have been third-party tested for quality and purity – brands like Medterra or Cornbread Hemp test every batch they produce and post the results to their websites for consumers to see.
Side Effects
CBD is safe, nonintoxicating and free from psychoactive components such as THC that could create an intoxicating feeling. Available as capsule supplements, oil or spray products and in various personal care products like skin lotions. Legal to buy and use in most states as long as it comes from hemp not marijuana.
Studies on animal models demonstrate the efficacy of CBD for alleviating fear and anxiety, increasing focus, and relieving physical symptoms associated with anxiety such as digestive issues.
A 2023 study discovered that CBD significantly decreased anxiety symptoms among those suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD). This two-week long trial compared a CBD product against a placebo, and those using CBD reported less anxiety as well as decreased need for anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines – further studies are necessary to verify these promising findings and ascertain optimal doses of CBD to treat mental health disorders like anxiety.
Precautions
CBD may not be the sole solution to managing anxiety disorders, but it may help alleviate symptoms when combined with other therapies. Many users report improved sleep, decreased pain and stress levels, as well as an improvement in mood after using CBD to address their anxiety.
CBD may help relieve symptoms associated with certain anxiety disorders, such as specific phobias, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). CBD has also been shown to significantly decrease anxiety behaviors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder by engaging the brain’s endocannabinoid system and serotonin receptors.
As with any new supplement, it’s advisable to speak to your physician prior to beginning using CBD for anxiety relief. They will assess if it’s safe with other medications you are currently taking and offer dosage advice. When selecting high-quality CBD products that have been independently third-party tested – look out for certificates that show the amount of CBD and THC present – ensure you find an accredited supplier and choose from among these high-quality products that contain an abundance of both.
Bottom Line
CBD can have many therapeutic uses, from acting as an anxiolytic to stimulating certain receptors in the brain and increasing serotonin levels – mood-boosting chemicals. However, it’s important to remember that CBD isn’t a cure-all; side effects may still exist and products with low THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content should be selected accordingly; before starting any new supplement regimen it is advised that first consulting a medical professional first.
Research on the efficacy of CBD for anxiety disorders is limited, yet important to keep in mind that its beneficial effects can differ depending on dosage, formulation and patient population. Therefore it is vitally important to recognize current research limitations as well as explore further inquiries to optimize clinical use of CBD – this means looking at all kinds of anxiety disorders while comparing effectiveness across various dosages and formulations of the product.
