According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that anxiety is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. Anxiety includes mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, among other anxiety issues.
While there are treatments available for anxiety disorders, only about 36% of those affected in the United States are currently receiving active treatment. Many people struggle with feelings of shame, fear of being judged, a lack of knowledge of treatments available, and the cost of treatment. Other people fear the risk of dependency or addiction to medications used to treat anxiety.
In 2018, the United States government legalized the use of Hemp. CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains little or no THC, the ingredient in marijuana that produces the feeling of being high. hemp CDB contains less than 0.3% THC, which is under the legal limit.
People who suffer from a wide variety of conditions use hemp CBD to lessen and control their symptoms. One area of promising study is how CBD may help with anxiety.
Animal Studies
Over 30 animal studies have been world-wide to help scientists understand how and why hemp CBD affects the brain and may help anxiety. Animal model studies allow scientists to look at the parts of the brain and body affected by CBD and how this correlates to decreasing anxiety.
CBD has been shown to affect serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neuroreceptor that helps control mood, anxiety, and depression. In humans, the endocannabinoid system helps regulate the chemical balance of basic processes like sleep, mood, appetite, immune function, and metabolism. CBD affects receptors within the endocannabinoid system that signal the nervous system to maintain these processes at balanced levels.
Human Studies
The positive results of animal model studies have prompted scientists to begin testing the effects of hemp CBD in humans. Recent studies have found that CBD shows a wide range of effects such as decreasing fear, reducing panic, reducing compulsive behavior, helping to extinguish persistent fear memories. While more studies are needed, the current results are promising.
CBD doesn’t do much to boost a person’s low serotonin levels, but what it does is influence the chemical receptors in the brain so it can respond better to the serotonin chemicals that are already present in your body.
Recent studies on hemp CBD also indicate its positive effects on stress. What it does is reduce the adverse mental health effects of stress in the body, such as depression.
In a 2010 study, cannabidiol was shown to ease the symptoms of individuals affected with Social Anxiety Disorder. Brain scans revealed the influence of cannabidiol.
Aside from making them feel better, their brains also responded better to anxiety triggers. Five years later in a 2015 analysis of previous related studies on cannabidiol, a conclusion was made stating that hemp CBD oil is a promising treatment, with sufficient therapeutic benefits related to various anxiety disorders, namely Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
In one study in Brazil, CBD or a placebo was given to participants about to perform public speaking, an activity that often causes anxiety in people. The participants who were given CBD had a significant decrease in anxiety, discomfort while giving their speech, and cognitive impairment than participants who were given the placebo.
A recent case study looked at the effect of hemp CBD on anxiety and sleep. Nearly 80% of participants reported a decrease in their anxiety after both one and two months of treatment. Another study of CBD for people with PTSD showed participants have reduced insomnia and improved fear modulation. This study concluded that CBD served as an effective antidepression and anti-anxiety treatment.
In terms of CBD’s capacity to treat depression, a recent study in 2019 revealed that hemp CBD may have a faster and a more sustained antidepressant effect than antidepressant medication, without the known side effects of the conventional treatment. It did not trigger mood swings, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and agitation, which were commonly experienced with antidepressants.
Along with scientific studies, there are multiple reports of people benefitting from CBD use for anxiety. Since becoming legal, hemp CBD is widely available in the United States. According to the New York Times, 60% of people surveyed use CBD to help with their anxiety.
Side Effects
One of the benefits of CBD is the limited side effects noted when compared to other medical drug treatments. The most common side effects reported are:
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
Studies suggest there may be a risk of liver toxicity when CBD is used for some medication conditions. Another consideration is how CBD affects the way the body metabolizes certain other medications. Some medications carry a “grapefruit warning,” cautioning people not to consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking those medications.
Grapefruit blocks an enzyme that helps the body metabolize particular medications, raising the level of the medication in the blood and body above the recommended levels. CBD is thought to have a similar effect. People who want to use or are using CBD should consult with their doctor to discuss these risks.
Animal and human studies show that hemp CBD can help with anxiety. More research is needed to understand all the benefits and side effects.
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Joe Jepsen is an LiveGood Independent Associate.
