CBD, or cannabidiol, is an all-natural compound which may reduce anxiety and pain from multiple psychiatric conditions. As an adjunctive therapy treatment for lennox-gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex it may provide significant relief from symptoms.
Preclinical studies indicate that systemic CBD may produce broad anxiolytic and anticompulsive effects, including decreasing autonomic arousal levels, decreasing conditioned fear expression levels, enhancing fear extinction rates, and blocking reconsolidation of persistent fear memories. It appears this effect is mediated by 5-HT1ARs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a widespread condition, impacting nearly one out of every four individuals and leading to severe impairment in daily functioning. With a lifetime prevalence rate exceeding 99 percent and high societal costs and burdens associated with its presence.
CBD, unlike THC, does not possess psychoactive components and yet still exhibits anti-anxiety and stress-relieving properties through interactions with CB1 receptors and 5HT-1A receptors. Preclinical studies also indicate that CBD modulates serotonin signaling which helps alleviate anxiety symptoms as well as panic disorders.
CBD has been shown to help alleviate anxiety; however, research on its efficacy remains limited. Therefore, for personalized guidance and treatment of anxiety disorders with CBD supplements such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder that disrupts your outlook on life and the way you interact with people. Symptoms may include low mood, losing interest in things you typically enjoy doing, feeling worthless or hopeless and even suicidal tendencies. Depression requires professional treatment in order to be managed successfully.
CBD exhibits antagonistic activity against the CB1 receptor and acts as an allosteric modulator of its CB2 counterpart, positively regulating 5-HT1A serotonergic and TRPV1-2 vanilloid receptors while negatively modulating a1-adrenergic and dopamine D2 receptors; negatively modulating noradrenaline and dopamine synaptosomal uptake via synaptosome uptake inhibitory pathways; blocking low voltage activated calcium channels; stimulating activity at inhibitory receptors while inhibiting activity associated with fatty acid amide hydrolase 1.
Studies have indicated that CBD may provide antidepressant effects, reduce anxiety, and boost mood in those suffering from depression; however, further research must be conducted. Purified oral CBD has been approved by the FDA for treating seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome and to decrease nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy drugs and anorexia caused by HIV infection.
ADHD
CBD offers numerous general wellness advantages, but in particular it has been demonstrated to significantly decrease anxiety and produce a calming effect – this makes it especially helpful for ADHD sufferers whose symptoms include fidgeting and racing thoughts that distract mental focus. Furthermore, CBD acts as both an all-natural sleep aid and neuroprotective agent.
Anecdotal evidence supports CBD’s potential to treat ADHD symptoms; however, research is limited. But emerging evidence is hopeful: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to address common side effects associated with ADHD such as difficulty paying attention and memory problems.
Recent patient narratives illustrate how adding CBD to their current treatment regime has enhanced their ability to stay focused and regulate emotions, with objective measures such as improving scores on validated rating scales, depression and anxiety questionnaires and subjective ratings systems proving this. Such positive results highlight the necessity of taking an individualized approach when treating medical cannabis.
Sleep
CBD has been shown to assist those struggling with certain health conditions in sleeping better. It can reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed state for healthy restful slumber. Furthermore, dopamine production increases to encourage melatonin production and support sleep-wake cycles.
This claim is supported by an ever-increasing body of evidence from clinical studies and preclinical research. According to one such study, rats treated with CBD experienced increased NonREM sleep duration while simultaneously decreasing time required to reach deeper stages. Researchers believe that CBD impacts activity in the amygdala, which controls fear responses.
A retrospective chart review involving 103 adult psychiatric patients receiving CBD for anxiety and sleep as an adjunct therapy at a large psychiatric clinic found that their monthly anxiety and sleep scores improved while most continued taking other psychiatric drugs; more women than men experienced more noticeable improvements.
