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CBD For Depression: Is CBD Really Useful?

CBD is one of the several Cannabinoids found in the plant Cannabis sativa. CBD and THC are two cannabinoids which are similar but have different effects on our mind and body. Due to its various health benefits, it has been researched and studied a lot.

According to these researches, it has been noted that CBD oil has played an important role in relieving the symptoms of Depression. So, in this article, I am going to discuss depression and CBD Oil’s role in its treatment.

What is Depression?

Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder, is a serious psychological illness which produces negative thought on one’s mind. And then, from negative thoughts, slowly it turns into no thoughts at all. Thus, leaving the person blank without any emotions or thoughts.

It may also affect the way a person thinks, acts or responds to their daily life activities. It not only makes a person sad and low. Further, it can be anger, frustration, loneliness or simply emotionless. Also, interrupts the normal lives.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression is a serious health issue but it is still neglected by a majority of people. There is certainly mild, moderate to severe symptoms of Depression a person might experience with time.

 

Here, I have listed some of them below:

  • Feeling sad most of the times
  • Loss of interest in daily activities
  • Weight loss
  • Difficulties in sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling worthless
  • Feeling guilty
  • Lack of Concentration
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Weight Gain

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult a psychologist and take proper guidance. The treatment includes therapies and even medication in extreme cases.

However, antidepressants are not really a great option for depression. These pills only help you, for the time being, not entirely cures the problem. 1 out of 16 people suffers from depression. It is a serious medical condition and it should not be taken lightly.

Things You Should Know About CBD Oil

Before moving on to its role in the treatment of Depression, let’s clear certain queries that are associated with the use of CBD oil. Here they go:

  • Firstly, CBD is not Marijuana. It will not control a person’s state of mind or make them high.
  • The THC level in CBD oil is less than 0.3% or negligible in amount.
  • It is legal in most of the countries. However, you should still check the legality of CBD oil in your country before buying any product.
  • You cannot get addicted to it.
  • It is potentially safe to use. Although, it is better to consult a doctor for proper information regarding its dosage.
  • Do not Self-Prescribe CBD oil.

CBD for Depression

Depression and Anxiety are two common mental health conditions faced by people throughout the world. It has no age bar. Anybody can be the victim of Depression or Anxiety. It can drastically affect a person’s health and interfere with their daily lives.

Doctors prescribe medications to manage the symptoms of depression. These medications have numerous side effects such as sleep deprivation, mood swings, and sexual dysfunction. Hence, it can be very annoying for the patient to face all these.

Researches show that CBD might be helpful to treat Depression and the symptoms related to it. This is because Depression can be managed by balancing the serotonin levels inside the body. Serotonin levels play a remarkable effect on the body by producing happy thoughts and controlling an individual’s emotional state.

CBD interacts positively with the receptors of the brain and helps to keep the serotonin level balanced. This showcases the role of CBD in treating Depression as well as Anxiety and also the symptoms associated with it.

Researches and Studies Related to Usage of CBD Oil for Depression

Various animal studies were conducted to showcase the role of CBD oil in depression. There are some reviews which show CBD oil might be the solution for Depression.

Here, I have listed them below –

  • In 2014, studies have shown that CBD oil is an excellent antidepressant and antianxiety compound for animals.
  • Also, In 2018, it was observed that CBD oil can be considered as an anti-stress and antidepressant for animals.
  • In 2018, Researchers again observed that CBD can be a fast-acting antidepressant.

They also observed that it worked as an antidepressant in case of both long term and short term use. It did not have any psychoactive effect and did not make a person high. Also, it did not cause any addiction to excessive use.

Although these reviews are all based on animal studies, it still rules out its effectiveness in mental disorders like depression and anxiety.

CBD Oil for Panic and Anxiety Disorders

Around 5% of people suffer from panic disorders worldwide. CBD oil is also a useful remedy for Panic attacks and Anxiety. In 2017, according to a human study, CBD is potentially beneficial for patients who suffer from panic disorders and provides a positive result on use.

In another human study, a dosage of 300mg of CBD significantly reduced the anxiety related to public speaking. Also, a dosage of 600mg of CBD reduced anxiety in people with Social Anxiety Disorder.

Usage and Dosage of CBD Oil

As CBD oil is not Psychoactive, it is potentially safe for long term use. There are various ways through which you can consume CBD.

 

 

Some of them are listed below:

  • Capsules
  • Sprays
  • Tinctures
  • Oils

Due to FDA regulation, CBD oil has no such common dosage for all. But it is better to start with a low dose and increase it gradually with time. You should consult a psychiatrist to understand the right usage as well as the dosage of CBD oil. Long term use might be more helpful in some cases.

Side Effects of CBD Oil

CBD oil is a completely natural and organic product. No serious side effects is observed until now. However, there are certain potential side effects that can get triggered on excessive use. It can also occur if a person is sensitive to CBD compounds. These are:

  • Appetite changes
  • Changes in weight
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhoea

These side effects are mostly mild. It is always better to use CBD products under a  medical professional’s guidance to avoid possible side effects.

Conclusion

From this article, it can be concluded that CBD oil is a beneficial natural remedy for mental problems like stress, panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. There are various animal studies that help to rule out its role in these ailments.

It is taken in different forms like sprays, oils, capsules, etc. The right dosage of CBD consumptions depends on the individual but it is always better to start with a low dose.

However, there are certain mild side effects that get triggered on excessive use. Hence, It is better to use CBD oil under a medical professional’s guidance. Also, don’t stop your therapies or medication.