Cannabidiol, or CBD is one of the most popular herbal remedies that can help people handle stress and increase their resistance to anxiety in everyday life. There are so many products that have embraced CBD in, that the calming properties can be explored in more depth.
From tasty snacks to drinks, check out Bimble and see for yourself. But how does it actually work? Here is a look into the role that various CBD products play in reducing anxiety, panic attacks, and other mental health conditions.
Receptors in the brain
Firstly, CBD works by interacting with receptors in the body. These attach to cells and can receive signals from certain stimuli. Within the central nervous system, CBD is believed to attach to the receptors known as CB1 and CB2.
While there is still limited research into the effects of these receptors, it is believed that CBD has an effect on the brain’s serotonin production. This neurotransmitter can play an important role in a person’s state of wellbeing. Deficiencies have been linked to conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders.
The most common treatments for these conditions are antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These work by interacting with the serotonin receptors in the brain, and aim to encourage more serotonin production over time.
However, CBD can be a natural alternative that has been shown to have very similar effects on the brain and body as SSRIs.
Generalised anxiety disorder
In terms of helping with some of the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), there is evidence that CBD helps reduce stress in rats. In terms of their physiological signs of anxiety, there was a significant reduction.
However, this is limited in terms of using observable features. This is because the physical presentations of GAD are less pressing than the impact on mental health as a whole.
It is difficult to measure how GAD affects the brain and body as a whole, because everybody has a slightly different baseline for what is considered a normal level of functioning. Because of this, it is hard to draw firm conclusions about the effects of CBD on its own when it comes to GAD.
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Another condition which is believed to benefit from CBD is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This can be incredibly debilitating in some cases, and many have found some level of relief through the use of CBD. It is categorised by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
There have been some promising results that have found a reduction in OCD symptoms as a result of regular CBD use. This has potential to have a huge impact on the medication used to treat OCD, because the most frequently used method is SSRIs which don’t always work.
This is mostly due to the multiple contributing factors that are believed to contribute to OCD. However, it is highly promising that CBD has already had some benefits on those with OCD.
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another complex condition that frequently has an extremely negative impact on a person’s mental health as a whole. Because PTSD is so complex, no two cases are the same. This makes it especially challenging to treat and provide recommended approaches for.
In spite of this, there has been evidence that CBD can play a role in reducing some of the panic and anxiety that PTSD sufferers experience. It is believed to be caused by interacting with the amygdala and hippocampus in the brain. For many, this is highly promising, because it can make PTSD much easier to live with.
Of course, CBD should not replace other treatment options for PTSD. Like we have mentioned, it is an incredibly complex condition that impacts an enormous variety of functions. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you speak to a professional healthcare provider regarding your options.
However, CBD can help those suffering with PTSD because it eases anxiety and stress in general. Make sure that you discuss your options with your doctor in order to determine whether CBD will counteract the effects of other medications.
Takeaway
CBD originally comes from the cannabis plant, which is responsible for the calm feeling that is achieved. There are a range of different products available with CBD included in them. It can be used to help individuals that suffer with anxiety and panic attacks. However, it is imperative that you speak with your doctor beforehand to discuss the potential risks
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
