CBD and Anxiety
Can CBD Oil ease Anxiety?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the hundreds of active ingredients found in cannabis plants. While research on CBD oil is only now moving toward mainstream research and more clinical trials are necessary, there is more and more evidence that CBD oil helps to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
The effects of CBD and Anxiety were first being studied in animals as far back as the 70’s and 80’s. The later studies in humans showed promising results.
The FDA has approved the first drug containing CBD for treatment of two forms of epilepsy in June 2018. The World Health Organization also was reported in a 2017 statement “There is also preliminary evidence that CBD may be a useful treatment for a number of other medical conditions.”
Types of Anxiety CBD could be effective with
“Anxiety” is a catch-all phrase for many emotional states and disorders. There are many mental health symptoms that CBD oil can help to alleviate. Cannabidiol oil is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t affect the mind, but it may have some health benefits to those suffering emotional and mental difficulties.
The major benefits of CBD lie in its anti-anxiety effects. It can help in the management of and decreasing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorders, and can also improve an individual’s ability to conquer social anxieties that prevent public interactions with others.
CBD and Anxiety
Types of anxiety that may be amenable to CBD oil usage include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – This refers to a type of anxiety disorder that includes uncontrollable, recurrent, and usually baseless worry over anticipated events or situations. GAD can negatively impact daily life for those suffering under it. The emotional distress can manifest as physical symptoms such as fidgeting, numbness in the feet and hands, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, trembling, sleep disturbances and vomiting. A 2015 review and subsequent article published in Neurotherapeutics, the journal for the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, found there is compelling and significant preliminary evidence for using CBD in managing generalized anxiety disorder.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – Also known as social phobia, this disorder ranks as the third most prevalent mental health issue worldwide. It’s characterized by a fear of social situations where interaction with other people, particularly strangers, is likely. It results in anxiety that can impact the quality of life. Those suffering from social anxiety disorder may present as shy, quiet, nervous, withdrawn, inhibited, aloof or even unfriendly. Most want to have friends and participate in groups and social activities, but their anxiety prevents them from interacting socially. A study by the University of São Paulo found CBD reduced anxiety and discomfort of social anxiety disorder in recipients when taken before engaging in public activity.