Is CBD the Future of Mental Health Treatment?

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In recent times, conversations about mental health and its importance in life have seen a much-anticipated increase. Although mental disorders such as depression, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety and schizophrenia existed for centuries, we are only now beginning to truly comprehend them and the need for their treatment. 

There was a huge number of patients with PTSD in previous generations due to the period of wars and disasters in the 20th century. There is an alarmingly increasing number of people suffering from anxiety and depression, perhaps due to the world being such a chaotic, fast, and competitive place. Thankfully, there is also an increasing number of researches, dialogues, and treatment methods to treat complicated mental health disorders. 

CBD Oil and Its Claims in Healthcare 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD oil, a product that is marketed to treat some mental health disorders, is CBD infused in a carrier oil. The infused oil is then bottled and marketed in various concentrations. 

The CBD industry is growing rapidly as it is showing massive potential in healthcare. In fact, people around the world are using CBD oil for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. There is also a lot of research and trials that study the possibility of effectively treating PTSD, seizures, ADHD, schizophrenia, and similar mental health-related disorders by using CBD. 

CBD is found to interact with some important protein-based chemical receptors in our body, most notably the CB1 and CB2 receptors. They are located in the central and peripheral nervous systems and there is a high potential for CBD to alter the transmissions in the CB1 receptors, directly related to the release of serotonin in our body, which, if found in low quantities, is linked to depression and anxiety.  

According to more recent research, CBD not only performed promisingly in improving multiple mental health conditions, but it also reduced physical pain and insomnia. 

Research on CBD’s Effects on Different Mental Health Conditions 

As mentioned earlier, although the use of CBD for several health conditions has been relatively new, the early signs have shown promising results. CBD has the potential to be a long term treatment for a variety of conditions, most significantly – conditions related to mental health. 

• Anxiety – A 2019 study found that anxiety was reported to be significantly reduced after doses of around 300-500 mg of CBD in a group of 57 adult male participants. The dosage may vary depending on the individual and the form of consumption. 
• Insomnia – This research, conducted in 2019 on 72 adult male participants, reported improvement on 78% of the participants suffering from insomnia and anxiety disorders. 
• Social Anxiety Disorder – A study conducted in Brazil has reported improved social conduct and public speaking on participants after taking CBD microdoses. 
• Depression – CBD’s ability to help the body and mind relax has been widely reported to help patients suffering from depression. According to this review published in the Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, the claims are indeed true. 

Currently, countless research and studies are being worked on to measure the level of CBD’s effects on a wide variety of health complications such as PTSD, ADHD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, and so on. As with any new medication form, the research will take its time to complete the trial, study, and interpretation process effectively. 

Dosage

For treating anxiety or any other mental health complication, if you are interested in trying CBD as a form of medication, you should discuss it with your medical advisor. The dosage may vary according to age, the type of medical condition, concurrent medical treatment methods, and other factors. According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), very few CBD-infused products available in markets contain the advised amount of CBD, so taking professional help is highly advised. 

On average, the various research and studies that have been conducted on CBD’s effect on health issues saw the use of 50 mg – 600 mg depending on the situation. The CBD was also used in different forms, such as tablets, edibles, capsules, and so on.

Side Effects and Risks 

Useful data on CBD’s long-term adversities in its many forms is unavailable as CBD’s medicinal use is relatively new. A review from 2019 based on the side effects and risks associated with CBD stated that people could tolerate a daily use of 150 mg of CBD.

However, CBD is not free of side effects, including diarrhea, drowsiness, weight loss, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, increased anxiety in some people, dizziness, hallucinations, and low blood pressure. It may cause liver enzymes to increase which causes inflammation in the liver. CBD oil is also not suggested to be taken during pregnancy as it may affect the child’s development. Some CBD oils could contain THC, which is a psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Marijuana-derived CBD oil has the potential to cause addiction. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of CBD to treat mental health-related conditions. In contrast, many medical professionals do prescribe their patients with CBD. This is why the situation remains conflicted. Judgment and professional medical help are the best options to treat complications with CBD at this time. 

Final Words

In conclusion, it is safe to say that we are perhaps in the very early stages to witness a groundbreaking treatment solution to some severely complicated mental health issues with CBD’s arrival. As with any other substance, CBD is not free of potentially harmful effects, especially if abused, but that does not taint the massive beneficial potential it has.