The Potential Benefits Of CBD For Anxiety And Depression
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. While there are many treatments available, including medications and therapy, some people are turning to CBD as a natural alternative. In this article, we'll explore the potential benefits of CBD for anxiety and depression and look at some of the research that supports these claims.
What is CBD? CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It's believed to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates a variety of functions, including mood, appetite, and pain sensation.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Anxiety and Depression:
Reducing Anxiety:
CBD has been found to have anti-anxiety effects in both animal and human studies. In a 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal, 79% of participants reported decreased anxiety symptoms after taking CBD for one month (1). Another study published in 2011 found that CBD reduced anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder (2). CBD is believed to work by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating mood and anxiety.
Improving Sleep:
Sleep disturbances are common in people with anxiety and depression. CBD may be able to improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and pain, which are two common causes of sleep problems. In a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, CBD was found to improve sleep in 66.7% of participants with anxiety and 79.2% of participants with sleep disorders (3).
Enhancing Mood:
CBD has been found to have antidepressant effects in both animal and human studies. In a 2018 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, CBD was found to have a rapid and sustained antidepressant effect in animal models (4). Another study published in 2019 found that CBD reduced depressive symptoms in mice (5). While more research is needed in humans, these studies suggest that CBD may be a promising treatment for depression.
Reducing Inflammation:
Inflammation in the brain is believed to play a role in the development of anxiety and depression. CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to reduce symptoms of these disorders. In a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, CBD was found to reduce inflammation in people with chronic pain (6).
Supporting Neurogenesis:
Neurogenesis is the process by which new brain cells are created. It's believed to play a role in the development of anxiety and depression, as well as other neurological disorders. CBD has been found to support neurogenesis in animal studies. In a 2013 study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, CBD was found to promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which is the area of the brain involved in regulating emotions (7).
Conclusion:
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of CBD for anxiety and depression, the existing studies suggest that CBD may be a promising treatment option. CBD has been found to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, enhance mood, reduce inflammation, and support neurogenesis. However, it's important to note that CBD should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment.
Citations:
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23.
Crippa, J. A., Derenusson, G. N., Ferrari, T. B., Wichert-Ana, L