Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental illnesses that can have a lasting impact on a person's health, social life, ability to work and general well-being.
A doctor may prescribe drugs to help people with depression, but many of these drugs have strong side effects such as mood swings, insomnia and sexual dysfunction and many more.
In initial studies, CBD has proven to be promising for the treatment of depression and anxiety, and it also has hardly any side effects.
In this article you will learn how CBD can alleviate the symptoms of depression.
How CBD works for depression
According to researchers, serotonin plays a decisive role in depression. to find out whether CBD can actually help with depression, it is important to take a look at the so-called endocannabinoid system. among other things, this system regulates serotonin by activating CB1 receptors. serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, is a messenger substance that is able to control and influence emotions. serotonin is also involved in the development of appetite, mood, sleep-wake rhythm and the reward system.
CBD can act on the body's own endocannabinoid system and its endogenous cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Specifically, the extract from the hemp plant is said to stimulate the 5-HT1A-serotonin receptor, which is associated with an antidepressant effect.
What science has recognized
Research results from the Year 2014 show why CBD could be useful in the treatment of depression. researchers recognized a positive interaction of CBD with serotonin receptors in the brain.
Serotonin affects a number of functions in the body, including the emotional state of a person and the feeling of well-being or happiness, and a balanced serotonin level is often a key therapy for people with depression.
CBD is one of more than 100 compounds called cannabinoids, which occur naturally in the cannabis plant.
While CBD is similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the two compounds act differently in the body and THC is responsible for the feelings of euphoria or "high" that a person experiences when using cannabis.
CBD does not have these effects on the body - it does not cause high or euphoria.
Tests in animal models have provided some evidence for the use of CBDs in the treatment of depression.
According to experts, results of a number of studies suggest that CBD appears to be an antidepressant and anxiety drug for depression.
Researchers have even investigated the potential of CBDs to reduce cravings in people with opioid use disorders.
In a Study from 2018, researchers pointed out that CBD is promising as a fast-acting antidepressant.
CBD for panic and fear
Some studies show that CBD can be helpful for other problems often associated with depression, such as anxiety or panic attacks.
A review of the potential benefits of CBD for panic attacks in Year 2017 showed positive results.
According to the authors, about 5 percent of the world population suffers from panic attacks.
In people who had to give a public speech in an experiment, a single dose of 300 milligrams (mg) of CBD caused a significant decrease in anxiety.
Another test showed that 600 mg CBD significantly reduced anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder.
Side effects
Oral ingestion, inhalation or topical application of CBD does not appear to cause any side effects.
However, if a person is sensitive to the components in CBD, they may experience the following symptoms: changes in appetite or weight, fatigue or diarrhoea.
Anyone wishing to take CBD should talk to a doctor about existing medications to determine possible interactions, and CBD may interact with certain over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements and prescription drugs.
Application
Many people choose to take CBD orally in the form of capsules or oils.
CBD can be most effective if used regularly.
There seems to be no risk of developing CBD dependence, so that long-term use is safe for most people.
Summary
CBD is an effective substance that is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative medicine and can positively influence serotonin regulation via the endocannabinoid system.
Anyone interested in using CBD for depression or anxiety should talk to a doctor about its use and the risk of interactions with other drugs.
CBD is not a substitute for antipsychotics or antidepressants, and you should not stop taking prescription drugs without first talking to your doctor.
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