Anxiety and CBD Treatment
Anxiety Disorder affects up to 3.1 percent of adults in the United States. In addition, Social Anxiety affects over 19 million adults, with women being twice as likely to experience anxiety than men.
Treatments range from therapy to medication. However, in recent years, many states are relaxing the laws about the production of cannabidiol (CBD).
Since then, there has been more research done on the effects of CBD on anxiety.
Research suggests that CBD Oil:
- Reduces general anxiety
- Improves sleep patterns
- Reduces REM sleep alteration
- Improves clinical outcomes with other treatments
- Has few side effects
- It is a safe option for treatment
CBD Oil Impacts on Anxiety
Research from the National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that CBD can actively reduce anxiety symptoms.
However, as a compound, CBD does not produce the same ‘High’ effect as cannabis.
Research suggests value for CBD treatment in many neuropsychiatric disorders when you consume CBD tablets or apply CBD in oil form.
Evidence suggests that CBD reduces stress on the central nervous system.
In the NIH studies, it was found anxiety scores decreased within the first month of usage for 79.2 percent of patients.
Most promising of all was the statement about the safety of CBD oil.
Throughout the study, CBD oil toleration was great, according to 69 of the 72 participants.
CBD Improving Sleep Patterns
Other NIH-driven reports review the effects of CBD oil on sleep patterns. Doctors highly regard consistent sleep as a method for reducing all forms of anxiety.
Some NIH research into CBD oil and sleep has seen positive results. For example, the application of CBD oil once daily appears to relieve acute symptoms of anxiety.
Primarily the study suggests the most substantial effect was on improving the patient’s sleep.
CBD Oil Reducing REM Sleep Alteration
During Rapid Eye Movement, or (REM ) sleep, our dreams are more noticeable or memorable.
The same study suggests that CBD oil was working to reduce REM sleep alteration via its anxiolytic effects.
In short, dreams and nightmares brought on by trauma were less frequent.
This study suggests that with a reduction in overall anxiety, there may be an overall reduction in dreams that trigger waking or sleep disruption.
CBD Working with Other Treatment
A large-scale review of CBD research found that CBD demonstrates better clinical outcomes alongside other treatment options.
In short, this means that CBD might be able to be applied when patients are going through other treatments.
Therapy, and medication not being affected by CBD, means it might find a place to supplement standard treatments.
CBD has Very Few Side Effects
All the studies suggest that there were very few side effects of CBD in a healthy dosage.
As said before, CBD does not have the same effect on people as regular cannabis.
CBD oil contains only trace amounts of the THC compound that produces the euphoria and relaxant effects of cannabis.
Researchers would monitor patients for side effects, and few would report anything other than light sedation.
CBD as a Safe Option for Treatment
All of the research articles under review agree that the minor side effects of CBD suggest that it is worth continuing research.
There is ongoing research into CBD’s medical application. But for the time being, the research deems it relatively harmless.
At least, When taken in the appropriate dosages. and under proper medical supervision.
CBD Oil and Legality
CBD oil, along with cannabis, hasn’t been made legal in every state. However, government agencies such as the NIH are funding more research into the impacts of CBD.
This research suggests that CBD oil as a tool for helping with anxiety and other mood disorders might soon be a part of standard treatment programs.
CBD Oil and Anxiety
All the research so far suggests that CBD oil will come to help patients in managing their anxiety.
Improving mood, sleep, and anxiety scores suggest that CBD will soon find its place in the medical treatment world.
Consult Medical Professionals Regarding CBD
Don’t rely on the myths only. Like any supplement to standard treatment, you must discuss the inclusion of CBD with your doctor or physician.
While the research suggests that CBD is safe to use, there may be unexpected interactions.
As your doctor decides your treatment plan, they need to know about any changes you plan to make to your treatment.
FAQ: Can You Use CBD Oil to Treat Anxiety?
A: CBD oil is typically taken orally, either by adding it to food and drinks or by ingesting capsules or tinctures. Some people enjoy inhaling vaporized CBD oil for quicker effects.
A: CBD oil is being studied as a potential treatment for a range of conditions, including pain, inflammation, and seizures. However, research is still ongoing and further clinical studies may be needed to determine efficacy and safety for these conditions.
A: The suggested dosage of CBD oil to treat anxiety varies from person to person and is based on factors such as height, weight, and severity of symptoms. It is best to consult with a medical professional to determine the best dosage for you.
A: CBD oil is generally considered to be well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Common side effects from using CBD oil can include dizziness, nausea, and dry mouth. Always speak to a medical professional before using CBD oil and make sure to follow the dosage recommendations.
References
- ‘Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders’ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
- ‘Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Oil for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia as Part of Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder: A Case Report’
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5101100/ - ‘Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders’ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S154431911930514X