CBD has many uses in medicine. It has the potential to help with various health concerns, from seizures to diabetes. But one of the biggest uses of CBD is to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Today, I am going to talk you through what anxiety is and how CBD helps with it.
WHAT IS ANXIETY?
Anxiety is your normal response to stress or danger, a fight or flight automatic response from the body triggered when one feels threatened or under pressure. This causes adrenaline to be pumped through the body, so it can cope with whatever stress or danger comes its way. A problem occurs when the response to stress is out of proportion to the actual danger of the situation, or when the anxiety is constant, interfering with your day to day life.
Anxiety disorders are very common. In 2013, there were 8.2 million cases of anxiety in the UK, and that number is rising. Anxiety is known to be the most common mental illness in the world, with one-third of the population affected by an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that 264 million people in the world suffer from an anxiety disorder.
SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY
Anxiety has many symptoms, including:
PHYSICAL:
- Pounding heart
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Shortness of Breath
- Dry mouth
PSYCHOLOGICAL:
- Anticipating the worst
- Irritability
- Feeling detached
- Agitation
CBD AND ANXIETY
Many studies have suggested that CBD has the potential to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Most pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications can have side effects like drowsiness or headaches, but studies show CBD may reduce anxiety with little to no side effects. CBD oil has been used to treat insomnia and anxiety in kids suffering from PTSD.
HOW CBD AIDS ANXIETY
SEROTONIN
CBD binds to 5-HTIA, a specific receptor of serotonin, which is important because anxiety can be treated with medicines that target the serotonin system. Similar to other anti-anxiety medications, CBD is thought to boost signalling through serotonin receptors. These receptors are thought to play the strongest role in anxiety disorders.
HIPPOCAMPAL NEUROGENESIS
The hippocampus is an extremely important part of the brain, as it controls your emotions, as well as your cognition and memory. Stress and anxiety can cause damage to neurons, leading to a smaller hippocampus. Studies have found that repeated administration of CBD can lead to neural regeneration.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD
It is normal to have sceptical feelings about the potency of CBD oil and the benefits it offers, but based on research conducted on patients and the uses of CBD oil, it is generally agreed by experts to be safe. Overall, it is generally accepted that the usage of CBD oil is safe and rather useful in the treatment of anxiety and other forms of psychological disorders.
An updated study in 2017 on anxiety sufferers, confirms some side effects are possible however minimal to other forms of medications available.
RESEARCH CARRIED OUT
Research done in 2010 on people with social anxiety revealed that a cannabidiol isolate can cause changes in blood flow to the brain areas that are responsible for anxiety. Cannabidiol did not just relieve the symptoms of anxiety in these individuals, but it also made them feel better and more comfortable in social situations.
In 2011, studies also revealed that CBD oil can work to relieve the symptoms that come with social anxiety in public speakers and allow them to feel more confident and be able to speak in public without any panic.
Research also shows potential in CBD oil as an antidepressant with anxiety-relieving effects in animal models.
CBD oil is also known to be useful in individuals dealing with a specific form of anxiety as opposed to a generalized disorder.
Many individuals with an anxiety disorder tend to use this oil in order to sleep better, reduce worry and let go of all the constant thoughts and feelings associated with this disorder.
In a research performed in 2011, it was determined that CBD oil aids in Neurogenesis of the hippocampus; the hippocampus is a region of the brain which is associated with memories, this region usually suffers and becomes smaller in individuals with anxiety disorders and depression and this may be the reason for the erratic action and irrational thinking patterns.
There is potential for CBD oil to not only help to relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders but also help to improve the function of the brain and psychological welfare.
ARE THE RESULTS GUARANTEED?
There is much scientific information about CBD oil and it’s potential to relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders, but it is important to note that it is not a magic potion that will take away all problems.
Various researches have been able to show the possible usefulness and potency of CBD oil in the treatment of psychological disorder, but it can also be important in cases where you are not sure about what form of treatment is appropriate for you to contact an expert or a known medical practitioner to help guide you on how to make a decision.
It's generally recommended to a low, single dose of CBD for up to 2-4 weeks to see the full benefits.
Now you should know what anxiety is and how CBD can help fight against anxiety. Happy Vaping!
