How to Try CBD Depression and Anxiety Therapy?

By We Level Up FL Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: January 20, 2023

• Bipolar disorder: is different from Depression, but it is included in this list because someone with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major Depression (called “Bipolar Depression”). But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high – euphoric or irritable – moods called “mania” or a less severe form called “hypomania.”
• Postpartum Depression: is much more serious than the “baby blues” (relatively mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that typically clear within two weeks after delivery) that many women experience after giving birth. Women with postpartum Depression experience full-blown major Depression during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression). The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany postpartum depression may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or their babies.
• Seasonal affective disorder: is characterized by the onset of Depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This Depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Winter Depression, typically accompanied by social withdrawal, increased sleep, and weight gain, predictably returns every year in seasonal affective disorder.

Depression and Anxiety Statistics

It’s critical to understand the distinction between anxiety and depression. Anxiety, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worry, whereas depression, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness. It is conceivable for someone to experience depression and anxiety simultaneously.

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Nevertheless, CBD does seem to have some advantages for treating depression, particularly for coping with:

• Anxiety
• Cognitive impairment
• Discomfort before public speaking

THC and CBD may also be helpful for conditions potentially related to depression, such as chronic pain.

Does CBD Oil Help Bipolar Depression? CBD and Manic Depression

Energy levels, mood, and focus might change as a result of bipolar disorder, a mental health disease. Manic episodes, often known as periods of extreme energy, are common in people with bipolar disorder, and they are frequently followed by depressive episodes.

Because not every person with a mental health issue will exhibit the same pattern of behaviors or mood swings, bipolar disorder can be challenging to diagnose. Furthermore, while bipolar disorder is frequently portrayed in popular culture as a condition characterized by significant mood swings, this is not the case for all individuals who have the illness.

While prescription medications are frequently used in the traditional treatment of bipolar disorder, some people are interested in learning whether cannabidiol (CBD) might be an additional choice.

There is still a lot that experts don’t know about CBD, despite data that suggests it may have some health advantages for illnesses including anxiety and depression. This article examines if CBD can treat bipolar disorder and whether using the substance is safe for those who have a mental illness.

CBD for Postpartum Depression

In the past several years, CBD has skyrocketed in popularity as a treatment for a wide range of postpartum mood disorder symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. It may also be beneficial for the body’s recovery after giving birth.

Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Anxiety & Depression (Pros and Cons of CBD Oil)

Benefits of CBD Oil for Anxiety & Depression

There are numerous ways to consume CBD oil, including pills, tinctures, sublingual drops, oral applicators, lotions, and gum. A concentrated liquid in a spray or dropper bottle is the most popular form of CBD oil. Because you don’t require a vaporizer or other specialized equipment, concentrated solutions are the simplest and most straightforward way to consume CBD oil.

Sprays and tinctures both employ droppers to administer the CBD-containing fluid under your tongue, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Mouth applicators and sublingual solutions both work by being absorbed through the mucosal membranes of the oral cavity. The difference is how long they remain in your system before being absorbed.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a chemical constituent of cannabis, has psychoactive effects, but cannabidiol (CBD), another chemical contained in cannabis, has therapeutic benefits and lessens some of the effects that THC causes. Numerous studies indicate that CBD oil is effective in treating a wide range of medical ailments, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and acne.

Disadvantages of Using CBD Oil to Treat Anxiety & Depression

You cannot get high from CBD because it is not psychoactive. Because there are fewer negative side effects, this is also advantageous. Although they are uncommon, CBD oil side effects can include fatigue or diarrhea if the dosage is too high.

Additionally, CBD products can be quite pricey and are not widely distributed. There are still regulatory limits on the manufacturing and use of CBD oil because it is still considered a Schedule 1 substance. It is exceedingly difficult to use CBD products in some states because they are not legalized. Additionally, no CBD-infused medications have received FDA approval for use in the treatment of anxiety or depression.

Due to the fact that the FDA does not regulate some CBD products marketed in the market, these products frequently advertise erroneous medicinal claims. Numerous of these products are not quality-tested and can contain dangerous ingredients. Some may also have psychoactive effects on consumers because they contain greater than 0.3% THC.

Additionally, CBD can obstruct the body’s capacity to absorb several medications. Birth control medications, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and anticoagulants fall within this category. The interactions between CBD oil and other psychiatric medications are not well understood.

Because both organs are necessary for the metabolism of CBD, people with liver or renal diseases are more likely to experience difficulties. There are worries that CBD oil may increase psychosis in persons with schizophrenia, while there are presently no controlled trials on how it interacts with other psychiatric medicines.

Additionally, CBD can enhance the effects of sedatives like alcohol and antidepressants. It won’t interfere with any supplements or other herbs you could be taking. Additionally, CBD may interact with several antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and anti-epileptic treatments.

Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Pain

There is no way to verify that the CBD product you purchase includes what the label states because CBD is still not regulated by the FDA and is frequently not subject to any government testing regulations. (1) According to a 2017 study, 31% of CBD products purchased online contained the same amount of CBD as stated on the label. When compared to the label, the remaining 69% of the items had either too much or too little CBD.

As long as the patient is aware that more studies and solid scientific evidence are required to support CBD’s effectiveness and safety, it may be a potential non-opioid treatment alternative for musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, applying CBD oil topically appears to be a safe method of pain management. Before using any supplements, topical oils, or other alternative remedies, it is always advised to consult your doctor.

What Does the Research Say About CBD for Anxiety and Depression? Can CBD Help Depression?

Experts think that CBD’s favorable impact on serotonin receptors in the brain accounts for some of its potential benefits for treating depression.

Depression is likely related to low serotonin levels. CBD doesn’t always increase serotonin levels, but it may change how your brain’s chemical receptors react to the serotonin that’s already there in your body.

In a 2014 study on animals, it was discovered that CBD has both antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects on these brain receptors.

A more recent 2018 analysis of prior research came to the conclusion that CBD has anti-stress properties, which may lessen depression caused by stress.

As previously mentioned, this is a field that is still actively being researched, and new studies and reviews are released every year. Information on the best ways to use the product will continue to change as researchers gain a better understanding of CBD and its potential advantages or drawbacks.

How Does CBD for Depression and Mood Compare to Antidepressant Medications?

CBD does seem to offer certain advantages over antidepressant drugs when it comes to treating depression.

The majority of antidepressants take weeks to start functioning. A 2019 animal study, however, indicated that CBD has an immediate and long-lasting antidepressant-like effect.

Additionally, CBD might have fewer negative effects than antidepressant drugs. Antidepressants frequently cause agitation, mood fluctuations, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. CBD has not displayed the same problems.

Can CBD Oil Help With Depression? CBD Oil For Depression Side Effects

So far, CBD doesn’t appear to cause many side effects. But some people may be more sensitive to it and experience:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Changes in weight or appetite

According to one study, mice exposed to levels of cannabis extracts high in CBD can develop liver damage. The mice in the study did, however, get some exceptionally high CBD doses.

Due to a dearth of studies, it is difficult to determine whether CBD has any long-term adverse effects. Experts have not yet found any significant long-term dangers.

Remember that this does not imply that there are none. Simply put, it indicates that none have been discovered as far.

The World Health Organization came to the conclusion that CBD is generally safe in a review from 2017. They stated that interactions between CBD and medicines could result in negative outcomes.

Before using CBD, be sure to discuss the possibility of adverse effects with your doctor.

How do I Use CBD for Depression? CBD and Depression

CBD for depression: Always look for reputable brands when trying to find the best CBD oil for depression or the best CBD for depression. CBD is available in four formulations:

• Oral: This covers CBD oil for depression and anxiety, sprays, pills, and tinctures. These mixtures can be consumed on their own or added to beverages like smoothies or coffee.
• Edible (CBD gummies for depression): Drinks and edibles, such as cbd gummies for depression and mood, are increasingly commonly accessible.
• Vaping: One method of quickly ingesting the compounds is by vaping CBD oil. The method’s long-term safety is, however, a subject of some discussion. It may also irritate the throat and cause coughing.
• Topical: The market for CBD-infused creams, lotions, and beauty products is booming right now. These goods contain CBD that you can directly apply to your skin. In contrast to uses for mental health, this formulation is probably best for treating pain.

CBD Dosage For Depression

CBD for depression: There is no universal agreement on the dosages that should be used for different illnesses, and research studies use a variety of dosages. It’s also crucial to remember that there is no standard dosage for CBD if you do decide to give it a try. The dosage that is appropriate for your needs may change as a result of research suggesting that individuals may react differently to different dosages.

Some dosages that have been used in research studies for different conditions include:

• Depression and Anxiety: 300 to 600 mg
• Bowel disease: 10 mg per day
• Cancer-related pain: 50 to 600 mg per day
• Parkinson’s disease: 75 to 300 mg per day

We Level Up Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The exact definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions.  However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time.

Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse. Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success. 

A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment.

At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

It can be challenging to accept that you may be living with a mental illness, but once it is properly diagnosed and treated, treating the presenting case of substance abuse can be magnitudes easier. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

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