Highlights
- CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a chemical compound derived from cannabis used for treatments.
- Many researchers state CBD helps treat anxiety and depression by altering serotonin levels. But solid evidence is required to prove the same.
- CBD products contain THC of less than 0.03% and more cannabis which is fruitful for aiding brain functions.
CBD has many benefits, as it has seen a tremendous response from its users due to its ability to ease pain and relax muscles. It is a popular natural method to treat anxiety, and recent studies prove it to help aid depression.
If you are interested to know what is CBD and how does it work for depression? Stay tuned! We have covered all that you should be aware of.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical derived from the cannabis sativa plant. It is one among 400 chemicals often referred to as marijuana or hemp. It contains tetrahydrocannabinol THC, an active ingredient in many plants often regarded as cannabis.
But CBD and THC are different compounds that come from the same plant. Both have diverse effects on the human body— THC causes euphoria, hallucination, and increased appetite, while CBD is a pain reliever.
Studies show that CBD helps with certain diseases like cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, Alzheimer, Parkinson’s disease, acne, and mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and schizophrenia.
What is anxiety, and what is depression? Its type, if any?
There is a common misconception that anxiety and depression are the same, but they are not medically related.
Anxiety
When anxiety symptoms become intense, excessive, and persistent with daily living, they may indicate an underlying disease. Anxiety may occur during everyday routines as a state of worry or fear.
Types
- Panic disorder: Regular panic attacks unexpectedly
- Phobia: Excessive fear of a situation or something
- Social anxiety disorder: Extreme fear of being judged socially
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Recurring irrational thoughts about performance and other behavior toward you
- Separation anxiety disorder: Fear of being away from home
- Illness anxiety disorder: It is health anxiety where you are constantly worried about your health.
Signs and Symptoms of anxiety
Nervousness, tiredness, weakness, Panic or feeling of danger, Heavy breathing, Sweating, Trembling, Not being able to think
Depression
While depression is a major depressive disorder that is a common and serious medical illness causing negativity in thoughts, feeling, and behavior— It is a persistent sadness and lack of interest in activities an individual loved previously. It causes disturbed sleep, poor appetite, and tiredness.
Types of depression
- Teen and adult depression. It is a clinical depression that can happen from 13 to 30.
- Depression in males. Society pressure and work pressure may lead to depression in males.
- Postpartum depression. It is common in new mothers and is severe and long-lasting.
- Depression during pregnancy. It is when women don’t get support during pregnancy. It is often neglected and can be dangerous.
- Seasonal affective disorder. Change in season triggers a feeling of sadness and involves persistent, pervasive symptoms.
- Bipolar disorder. Also called manic depression is known by extreme mood swings causing distress.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Anxiety, mood swings, excessive hunger, fatigue, poor appetite, loss of interest in activities, people, isolation, low concentration, weight gain, repeated negative thoughts, and insomnia.
How does CBD work for anxiety and depression?
There are enough researches that prove CBD to be effective in anxiety and depression in animals and anecdotal evidence that shows its efficacy for people going through anxiety and depression. For example,
a 2018 study published by Neuroscience News on mice showed a single CBD dose helped to reduce depression in a week. Researchers believe that CBD repairs the cortex and hippocampus debilitated due to depression.
Both have complicated relationships. It is associated with poor sleep, hunger, and mood swings. CBD is a potent drug to regulate mood, sleep, and hunger— It also helps in better feeling and less pain. Experts
believe these symptoms occur when the endocannabinoid system doesn’t work properly. CBD helps in regulating this system.
Best CBD oil/ gummies for depression and anxiety
Here are the 5 best CBD oil/ gummies that we found to be fruitful in anxiety and depression:
- Cornbread Hemp Organic Berry CBD gummies
- Charlotte’s Web Daily Wellness CBD gummies
- CBDistillery CBD Oil Isolate
- Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- FOCL Premium CBD Drops
Is CBD Safe to take? What are the side effects of CBD?
The most common side effect of CBD is dry mouth, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue. CBD also interacts with BP medicines, so you need to keep it in check with your medical practitioner. Overdoses may cause hallucinations and panic, but major issues are unreported.
Dosage
The dosage depends on factors like— height, age, weight, and disease severity. However, you can start with a minimum dosage of 2.5 milligrams per kg body weight twice daily. Talk to your doctor before taking CBD oil or gummies. However, you can take topical treatments as it has low impacts.
Is CBD Legit?
After the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD was legal under certain conditions. It is made available for medical purposes and research. CBD containing less than 0.03% THC— is retailed under federal government norms.
However, it is still illegal in many states.
Epidiolex is the only CBD-approved medicine by FDA for two epilepsy treatments.
Alternative to CBD for depression
However, CBD is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression but is viable. There are many alternative treatments besides medications like Transcranial Medical Stimulation or TMS.
TMS is a therapy done with electromagnetic pulses that helps restore brain trans-receptors in anxiety disorders— while it galvanizes the thalamus and hippocampus in a state of depression. It is a rare side-effect, and you feel a difference in less than two weeks.
FAQs
Is CBD oil prescribed by docs or over the counter?
Yes, CBD oil is available over the counter and prescribed by doctors for mental health issues or inflammatory problems. You can get it only from hospital approved medical practitioner.
What are the ingredients that make CBD useful in fighting depression and anxiety?
CBD contains Cannabidiol which treats anxiety and depression by altering serotonin levels. For more information and a diagnosis, consult your doctor.
Can CBD also increase depression?
Yes, CBD may alleviate depression by altering serotonin levels in the brain. But due to a lack of research, it is not validated. CBD products contain a high level of CBD and less THC which helps lower depression instead of increasing it, but there are a few situations where it may worsen the condition.
Does CBD raise serotonin?
Usually, CBD does not raise serotonin levels but affects brain receptors that respond to serotonin levels. CBD was found to have anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties in a 2014 study.
CBD is added to many products (shampoos, cosmetics, oils, bath salts, etc.). When it is a component of a product, does it help?
There is a lack of evidence to conclude that CBD is beneficial when used as topical treatments, including shampoo, cosmetics, oils, bath salts, etc. Also, the concentration of CBD is unclear too.
Are There Interactions between CBD and antidepressants? Is it safe to take with other medication?
Yes, CBD interacts with antidepressants and epileptic drugs, opioid analgesics, and THC. Interestingly, it also interacts with common medicines and alcohol. It is for this reason that taking CBD oil or gummies requires a doctor’s approval.
Reprieve with CBD
If you or your loved ones are having anxiety disorders or depression issues— don’t take it lightly. It is time to change your life with a better alternative to medicines. Take them out, do Yoga, and ask for CBD.
Taking CBD is a personal choice as many patients have found it beneficial, but if you have doubts or any other medical issues, go to your doctor.