CBD has been shown to effectively decrease symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in military veterans, and also appears to improve digestive disorders.
Neuropsychopharmacology reported the results of a small experiment where participants with social anxiety took CBD before undergoing a simulated public speaking exam and experienced less nervousness and cognitive impairment during it.
CBD may help with depression. Rats exposed to chronic stress responded positively when treated with CBD; their behavior showed less signs of depression-like behavior and adaptation was improved significantly.
Anxiety
Anxiety is the second-most frequently prescribed medical cannabis condition in Australia and can be treated using both THC-dominant and CBD-dominant products. CBD has proven anxiolytic effects in various animal anxiety models; showing a bell-shaped dose-response curve, with moderate dosage being most effective.
CBD has shown significant anxiolytic benefits in humans with various anxiety disorders. Studies have revealed it to decrease fear re-experience (fear extinction) and improve social functioning for individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder.
CBD reduces contextual fear and anxiety through modulation of hippocampal AEA production and PPAR receptors [127], while chronically administered CBD enabled rats to learn conditioned freezing through increased BNST and prelimbic cortical 5-HT1AR activation and decreased hippocampal DA release [126,127]. Furthermore, research suggests that its anxiolytic properties depend on prior stress; effects differ among brain regions as well.
Depression
Depression is a serious mental illness that can impact anyone from children to adults, including the elderly. Although depression is treatable through therapy sessions such as talk therapy, it’s wiser to discuss potential options such as CBD with your physician first before embarking on any new regimens.
Research has demonstrated that therapeutic CBD may assist in alleviating symptoms of depression. Furthermore, it can also improve sleep quality, mood and appetite while simultaneously aiding other psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder. Furthermore, therapeutic CBD has also been found helpful for decreasing anxiety levels while increasing feelings of calm and helping with relaxation.
Some studies have revealed that CBD can significantly ease symptoms of schizophrenia. Its effectiveness may be attributable to its effects on inhibiting the reuptake and degradation of anandamide, increasing anandamide levels in the brain and thus decreasing anxiety levels. Giuffrida et al reported that treating schizophrenia patients with CBD yielded greater improvements than amisulpride as a first-line medication for psychotic symptoms.
Insomnia
Insomnia refers to an inability to fall or stay asleep at night, leading to restless and unrefreshing restful slumber, leading to poor daytime performance and impaired daytime functioning. It can be caused by various health conditions; anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often sufferers may find insomnia worsen their mental health symptoms further, creating an upward spiraling effect of worsening mood and anxiety symptoms exacerbated by insomnia symptoms themselves – it becomes a vicious circle!
CBD products may help relieve insomnia when combined with ingredients that promote sleepiness, such as valerian and chamomile plant products or melatonin. Full spectrum or isolated versions with variable THC levels are available for sale.
Recent trials examined the effects of medicinal cannabis oil, Entoura-10:15 in particular, on adults suffering from clinical insomnia. Results demonstrated that CBD’s effect on the endocannabinoid system – which regulates chemical substances which regulate sleep-wake cycles – made Entoura-10:15 significantly more effective than placebo in improving insomnia symptoms.
PTSD
Loved ones of those suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder can find it extremely challenging to cope, particularly if the person doesn’t open up about what happened, appears angry or withdraws altogether, and may experience feelings of helplessness or guilt that they couldn’t stop the trauma from happening.
PTSD symptoms include intrusive memories of trauma, flashbacks (feeling like the trauma is occurring again), nightmares and intense fear when reminded of the event. It may also cause difficulties with emotions, work and relationships.
CBD contains antipsychotic and neuroprotective properties, helping reduce symptoms associated with psychosis in those suffering PTSD. Furthermore, research indicates its efficacy for treating anxiety disorders including PTSD and social performance anxiety.
Other treatments for PTSD include cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy and antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Support groups can be helpful; you can locate these through either your mental health professional or online directories.
