Anxiety, phobia, fear, and PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) are responses of our body to potential danger, promoting survival. It is a primary response to keep us safe from threats that could harm us. The problem arises when there is an imbalance between the sympathetic nervous system – responsible for preparing your body for a flight or fight response – and the parasympathetic nervous system, which is meant to calm the body. Your parasympathetic and sympathetic systems are subsystems of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is part of the central nervous system (CNS), constantly working; the unconscious system that controls breathing and digestion. The sympathetic nervous system overreacts when threats or danger are not present, triggering disorders like chronic anxiety, PTSD, as well as other phobias or psychoses. Modulators of these triggered responses are believed to be norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The CNS plays a significant role in regulating the body’s responses, and Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, helps regulate all the body’s systems, including the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses.
Another chemical, like serotonin and dopamine, that our body produces is called anandamide and is known as the “Bliss Molecule”; it also acts on the same reward center of the brain as serotonin and dopamine. CBD tells the body to produce more anandamide, which is why CBD has been so beneficial in helping individuals with symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, as well as depression. There are many forms of neuropsychiatric disorders; one study in 2015 states, “We found that existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder when administered acutely.” Anecdotal evidence, as well as clinical studies, support that CBD has a wide range of therapeutic benefits, including antipsychotic, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, antiemetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiarthritic, antineoplastic, immunomodulatory, and antiproliferative properties. In this study, it was noted that a review of potential side effects in humans found CBD to be well-tolerated up to 1500mg a day orally, with no reports of it slowing psychomotor function, negative mood effects, or abnormal vital signs. CBD was found to react with many of the receptors that regulate fear and anxiety-related behaviors. CBD is anxiolytic, meaning anxiety-reducing, whereas some strains of THC, the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, can be anxiogenic or anxiety-causing. Some people with paranoia and anxiety have been afraid to use cannabis because they have experienced what happens when they use the wrong product. Education and understanding of which cannabinoids to look for are crucial when seeking to use this natural plant medicine to combat the symptoms of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Elevated anandamide enhances fear extinction due to the acute anxiolytic effects. In layman’s terms, CBD can be taken orally in an oil form, and it works fast, usually within about 10 to 15 minutes, to relieve the symptoms. Receptors in the brain that regulate mood, anxiety, reward, as well as fear extinction, are influenced and supported by the regulation of the central nervous system by binding to the CB1 receptors and inhibiting a range of neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine.
Norepinephrine is a neuromodulator that is responsible for arousal and vigilance, which is responsible for the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Low serotonin also plays a role in depression and anxiety, even mania, while too much serotonin can also cause anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. Finding balance in today’s uncertain world is key to being happy and healthy. Stress, anxiety, as well as other neuropsychiatric disorders, can be debilitating and have a major impact on the quality of life, as well as lead to physiological health problems. CBD for yourself or someone you love can be life-changing.
Educate yourself on the benefits of CBD. Be kind and patient and love one another by speaking positive and encouraging words to yourself and others every day. As always, if you are on medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if CBD might be right for you or reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
There are many forms of Neuropsychiatric disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – affects more women and is often associated with depression.
Panic Disorder (PD) – women are affected 2x more than men.
Social Anxiety Disorder – not gender discriminate and typically manifests around 13 years old.
Stress – affects everyone anxiety is a response to stress.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – affect women 3x more than men.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – affects women 5x more than men. War, rape, sexual abuse are some traumas associated with developing PTSD.
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https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics#Facts%20and%20Statistics
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3267552/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6486906/
https://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/jnp.2009.21.2.iv