HOW DOES CBD AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS-min

HOW DOES CBD AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS?

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Although with limited evidence, scientific theories point to future and long-term benefits of CBD for mental well-being. That includes folks with frequent panic attacks, autism, PTSD, nervousness, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, among others. Traditionally, folks with mental issues have been self-medicating with marijuana. Still, the past few years have seen the medical sector get attuned to the spectacular outcomes of using CBD for mental health disorders.

CBD oil – an extract of industrial hemp and cannabis – interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a way that promotes mental health. Here is a deeper insight into how CBD has become a promising option for managing mental health issues and its science.

CBD and How it Affects the Brain

CBD is the non-psychoactive component of hemp and Cannabis Sativa plant that possesses therapeutic properties that can help manage many health conditions. The difference between CBD Oil and Hemp is that industrial hemp contains 0.3% or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the chemical compound responsible for psychoactive properties. That said, it is worth noting that CBD’s lack of psychoactive characteristics makes it safe to treat a variety of health conditions.

The past few years have seen CBD Oil gain tremendous popularity in the field of medicine. And while much is still unearthed about this therapeutic chemical, many benefits associated with CBD use have already been enlisted, including in the areas of memory and mental health. Regarding mental health, CBD has been used medicinally to alleviate mental health symptoms and disorders such as:

  • Anxiety.
  • Seizures.
  • Depression
  • Memory loss.
  • Panic attacks.

The therapeutic potential exhibited by CBD Oil has had physicians believing that it can be a viable treatment option for mental health disorders and issues such as:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • Cognitive functioning.
  • Autism.
  • Depression.
  • Sleep disorders.
  • Psychosis.

CBD for Mental Health Disorders

There is an ongoing debate as to how exactly CBD can impact mental health issues. Regarding the brain, the most notable breakthrough involving CBD oil is when it proved to manage people and pets living with epilepsy. In light of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) even declassified it from illegal to medical marijuana because of its benefits. This breakthrough gave rise to Epidolex – a CBD-derived drug that has been legalized for epilepsy patients. That followed the legalization of medical marijuana in most U.S states.

Furthermore, psychologists have conducted separate research and arrived at the same conclusion: that CBD Oil can help alleviate mental health issues. That, coupled with the positive wave surrounding mental health globally, have scientists prioritizing a solution. And while conventional pharmaceutical drugs have been used as a relief mechanism, a pure and natural alternative that has proved effective has surfaced: CBD oil.

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System: How it Works to Ease Mental Health Issues

CBD oil interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors present in the endocannabinoid system (ECS0 – a complex biological system – to regulate important body functions such as immunity, digestion, mood, memory, sleep, and much more. When there is incongruent signaling in the endocannabinoid system, CBD has been known to help stimulate that – acting as a catalyst for smooth body functioning.

But how did CBD win its current medicinal status? Unlike THC that drives the psychoactive part, CBD possesses medicinal properties and has no psychoactive components whatsoever. And it is for that reason; it is being championed as a potential remedy for mental health issues.

Benefits of CBD Oil for Mental Health Issues

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease considered the most widespread form of dementia, impacts one’s memory and cognitive potential. It leads to loss of memory and a constant state of agitation in a patient. Alzheimer’s disease has no definitive cure or treatment option. And as a neurodegenerative ailment, it originates from inflamed neural tissues. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can help manage neural inflammation, improving a person’s well-being.

Cognitive Functioning

When there is an imbalance in brain chemicals, a person may have a mental illness, affecting memory retention, concentration, perception of logic, and other cognitive abilities. CBD will interact with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system to stimulate and promote healthy nerve functioning.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Anxiety might seem quite common because people experience it at certain points in their lives. But certain anxiety disorders border dangerous. Being over-possessed with worry can inhibit your ability to carry out your daily tasks. Others suffer from social anxiety and panic attacks for fear of rejection. And because humans are social beings, we are heavily dependent on peer interaction, and rejection could lead to someone becoming mentally unfit. CBD, through its interaction with the ECS, calms the nervous system, hence relieving anxiety.

Depression and Mood Disorders

Mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, mania, or depression are difficult to manage. Depression, especially, can be fatal because its diagnosis is quite complicated. Antidepressants are often prescribed, but they don’t come without undesired side effects such as weight gain and addiction (dependency). However, CBD is a pure and natural alternative that has no hard to cope side effects. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system – a complex biological system responsible for regulating a person’s mood.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a mental health illness that is often attributed to stress and substance abuse. That is to say, when a person consumes drug overdoses full of psychoactive components; they are likely to hallucinate and detach themselves from reality.  But CBD has no psychoactive parts whatsoever and would bring a calming effect to patients who have psychosis.

Autism

Autism is a neurobehavioral disorder that impacts one’s ability to interact, communicate, and give feedback. This condition compromises a person’s language development, as well as their receptive ability. Exactly how CBD helps manage symptoms associated with autism hasn’t been cast in stone, but the good news is; anecdotal evidence derived from clinical trials has attracted promising results so far. Besides, autism is classed as a brain disorder, and CBD’s property that interacts with the endocannabinoid system brings a calming effect that alleviates anxiety exhibited by autistic patients.

Nataly Komova

Nutritionist. Bluffton University, MS

In today's world, people's eating and exercise patterns have changed, and it is often lifestyle that is the cause of many diet-related illnesses. I believe that each of us is unique – what works for one does not help another. What is more, it can even be harmful. I am interested in food psychology, which studies a person's relationship with their body and food, explains our choices and desires for specific products, the difficulty of maintaining optimal body weight, as well as the influence of various internal and external factors on appetite. I'm also an avid vintage car collector, and currently, I'm working on my 1993 W124 Mercedes. You may have stumbled upon articles I have been featured in, for example, in Cosmopolitan, Elle, Grazia, Women's Health, The Guardian, and others.

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