Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic component of Cannabis sativa with potential psychiatric benefits, including its use as an antidepressant and anxiolytic. Many people report that CBD can help relieve symptoms of depression, and some animal studies suggest that it may have antidepressant properties. However, more research is needed to confirm this. Today, there are a growing number of clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of CBD in treating PTSD. In one study, a multicenter randomized controlled trial, CBD was found to significantly improve positive psychotic symptoms (PANSS).At present, there is insufficient evidence to conclusively determine whether or not CBD is effective in treating mental illness.
However, some research has found that CBD may reduce anxiety in patients with social phobia by decreasing activity in the amygdala and increasing activation of the prefrontal cortex, two areas of the brain involved in regulating anxiety. It is important to note that the chemical composition of CBD oil or nuts purchased can vary greatly. Unfortunately, this list does not differentiate between CBD and THC, but it does provide some guidelines. More animal and human studies are needed to definitively characterize the safety, efficacy, and utility of CBD for psychiatric disorders. One such disorder is depression, for which many people are using CBD as a self-treatment. A survey found that most respondents were or are currently being treated by a psychiatrist (55%) and began using CBD for depressed mood (69%).Psychiatrists should be aware of their patients' use of CBD as it is becoming increasingly popular as a self-treatment for depression.
Some research suggests that CBD oil and other products may be beneficial for symptoms of depression. Men were more likely than women to learn about CBD through the Internet, while women were more likely to learn from friends and family. CBD appears to act directly on serotonin receptors, which is different from how serotonin reuptake inhibitors (the most commonly used antidepressants) work.
