Almost half of the world’s population suffers from various mental health disorders including stress, anxiety, epilepsy, seizures among others. Most doctors will prescribe a certain pharmaceutical drug to try and treat the symptoms.
Nevertheless, prolonged use of these medications can cause additional harm to the patient or worsen the symptoms. CBD products, on the other hand, have proven to be a safer alternative in the management of these disorders. Not only are they safe but also very effective.
For instance, most cannabis users experience a rapid reduction in anxiety levels after consistent treatment. However, before anything else, you should do your research and find out how to choose CBD products for your condition.
With that said here is a guide on how CBD can help in the management of various psychiatric disorders:
- Depression
Depression is a common mental health disorder affecting a majority of people today. Moreover, it is known to take a toll on people’s social life, overall health, ability to work among others.
Luckily, you can easily manage the situation with the help of antidepressants. However, most of these pharmaceutical drugs may have adverse side effects including mood swings, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia.
Cannabidiol products have proven to be effective in the treatment of depression without causing major side effects. CBD balances the levels of the hormone serotonin in the brain hence improving the emotional state of an individual.
- Anxiety/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Study shows that medical cannabis has a positive effect on anxiety and memory loss. The interaction between this drug and the endocannabinoid system may reduce the symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.
When cannabinoids interact with the brain receptors, they cause a decrease in the amygdala neurons associated with fear. In a case where the anxiety was caused by substance abuse, the anxiolytic properties of CBD can help manage the situation.
Nevertheless, the levels of THC must be 0.3 % or less as too many THC levels can worsen the symptoms. See this link to find out the various uses of CBD for mental health https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-uses-for-cbd-4844875
- Psychosis
Psychosis is a mental disorder associated with delusions or hallucinations. The symptom can be caused by extreme stress, insomnia, brain injury, substance abuse, or mental illness.
A case study on the effect of medical marijuana and mental health reported a reduction in the psychotic symptoms on most patients who use cannabis. Psychotic symptoms are triggered by excess production of dopamine in the brain.
CBD binds the dopamine receptors, hence lowering the production of this hormone. Generally, patients who use this treatment tend to exhibit better cognitive and functioning abilities compared to those who use pharmaceutical drugs.
- Epilepsy and seizures
CBD is thought to enhance the functionality of the endocannabinoid system including pain, sleep appetite, and the immune system. Study also suggests that CBD can also help in the reduction of seizures and epilepsy.
For instance, the drug Epidolex is widely used in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures in children and teenagers. This drug is also the only cannabis-based medication approved for use by FDA.
The interaction between cannabidiol and the TRPV1 and GPR55 receptors in the endocannabinoid system creates an anticonvulsant effect, hence reducing the symptoms.
- Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease is another major brain disorder that affects the mood, intelligence, and movement of an individual.
Although CBD doesn’t entirely eliminate the condition it can help enhance the symptoms by creating a state of hemostasis in the endocannabinoid system.
Likewise, the calming effect of marijuana can help reduce the aggressive behaviors associated with this disorder. When a patient is calm and relaxed, they can sleep better and reason better.
- Sleep
Lack of sleep can really take a toll on one’s mental health. Stress-associated insomnia may go away by itself, but you may need to treat chronic insomnia. There is a potential link between medical cannabis and insomnia.
Insomnia is caused by a high level of cortisol hormones associated with increased stress. cannabidiol may help reduce the levels of these stress hormones, hence leading to improved sleep. It is also a potential sedative and muscle relaxer.
Nevertheless, we recommend taking the medications at night, slightly before you go to sleep for it to be effective. Taking it in the morning might not help entirely with insomnia.
- Pain
Pain management can be very challenging, especially when dealing with neuropathic pain. This pain is linked to nerve damage caused by herniated disc injuries, multiple sclerosis, or infections.
Most people turn to pharmaceutical painkillers like opioids to alleviate the pain. Nevertheless, prolonged use of these pharmaceutical painkillers can lead to severe side effects. Study shows that at least 80% of opioid users die of overdose annually.
CBD steps in as an alternative pain reliever that is safer to use. The anti-inflammatory properties of this drug help to mitigate pain without a sign of any side effects.
- Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
This non-curable disease is responsible for memory loss and confusion. Although it has no cure, various medications can help to manage the symptoms.
CBD is one of them. The therapeutic properties of medical marijuana tend to stabilize various brain proteins and enhance the immune system.
This in turn helps in turning down inflammations caused by Alzheimer’s. Click here to read more.
Conclusion
While CBD has the potential to treat multiple psychiatric conditions, we recommend consulting with a physician before commencing the treatment. Some drugs may not interact well with the supplement and you may end up aggravating the symptoms altogether. A healthcare provider will help you choose a product that is more appropriate based on your condition. Be keen to monitor your progress and beware of any side effects.
