Depression is one of the most conventional mental health illnesses in the world. Approximately 280 million people suffer from this condition every day. Depression is different from a sudden mood swing or a short-lived reaction to the challenges of daily life. Especially when it is repetitive with differing intensities, depression can become a severe medical condition. It causes the affected person great suffering and inability to function at work, school, and even with family. At its unhealthiest, depression can lead to death; according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 700,000 people die from suicide annually, and it is the 4th major cause of death in people aged 15-29.
There are many known treatments for depression, but more than 75% of people in low - middle-income countries receive little to no treatment. A lot of stigma is also attached to mental disorders like depression, which is why most people don't get diagnosed, and others sometimes get misdiagnosed and just given antidepressants.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound in hemp or cannabis plants. It has gained traction over recent years because of how several studies show its benefits to different aspects of our lives. One benefit is treating depression—initial results of varying research connecting CBD to mental health show tremendous potential.
While CBD is similar to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the two compounds act differently. THC is psychoactive, affecting the mind and its functions, while CBD doesn't.
In this article, learn about how CBD can relieve symptoms of depression and how it can advance mental health treatment moving forward.
A doctor may prescribe common antidepressants and pharmaceuticals to help patients manage their depression. Many of these prescriptions have severe side effects, such as mood swings, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.
EARLY STUDIES ON CBD AND DEPRESSION
Early research suggests that CBD is highly effective against depression and anxiety and may cause fewer to no side effects in some patients.
Some studies show that CBD alters serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that transfers messages between nerve cells in the brain throughout our bodies. It plays key roles in multiple bodily functions like mood, sleep, digestion, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire.
Separate studies have looked at how CBD can alleviate depression:
- A 2018 study of medical marijuana users had them take note of their symptoms and doses and then analyzed their results. The study revealed that cannabis helped in the reduction of anxiety, depression and stress.
- In 2019 a case study on a teenager suffering from multiple-substance disorders, anxiety and depression found that an 8-week treatment period resulted in a decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms. The person was also able to abstain from all substances and stop taking antidepressants.
- A study on rats in 2019 had researchers administer 30mg/kg of CBD to rats and then evaluate their coping abilities while completing an examination. The researchers concluded that CBD alleviated helplessness in rats, a common symptom of depression.
Generally, these early research on CBD suggests that it can be helpful against depression. However, there are still fewer studies conducted on humans, so more research and experimentation are still needed to ensure that CBD is an effective treatment for mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
HOW TO USE CBD FOR DEPRESSION
A typical dose of CBD is 15-30mg daily. There are multiple options if you want to use CBD for depression; CBD comes in different forms:
CBD Gummy Sleep Formula - These Hemp Extract Gummies are specially formulated by our in-house team of scientists to help you unwind before bed and encourage a restful night's sleep. Made with full-spectrum Hemp Extract Oil, each all-natural strawberry flavored gummy contains a precise dose of CBD, CBN, Melatonin and L-Theanine.
CBD Gummy Calm Formula - A custom formula created by our in-house team of scientists, Heritage CBD CALM Gummies are intended to produce a sense of relaxation without sedation. Made with full-spectrum Hemp Extract Oil, these all-natural lemon lavender flavored gummies contain a potent dose of CBD and L-Theanine. They contain plant-based terpenes Linalool and D-Limonene which work synergistically with CBD to provide a calming effect.
CBD Gummy Energy Formula - Formulated by our in-house team of scientists, these all-natural Hemp Extract Gummies are intended to help give you the energy to face the day. Made with full-spectrum Hemp Extract Oil, each gummy contains a precise dose of CBD, Vitamin B12 and Green Tea Extract. B12 supports energy by turning food into energy, and Green Tea Extract contains naturally occurring caffeine. Flavored with Pure Orange Oil and a custom blend of uplifting plant-based terpenes.
CBD Oils - This is the most common way to consume CBD; these oils can be directly placed under the tongue or mixed with your daily coffee or tea.
CBD Capsules - This is another way to consume CBD; you just swallow the softgel with a swig of water and get on with your day.
HOW WELL DOES CBD COMPARE WITH OTHER DEPRESSION TREATMENTS?
There is relatively little research that compares CBD with other antidepressants and medications, but one potential advantage CBD has is that it works faster than most antidepressant prescriptions.
One study on animals proved that CBD takes a short time for it to take effect, while other antidepressants sometimes take weeks before we notice any changes.
CBD also doesn't have the usual side effects the common antidepressants exhibit
FINAL THOUGHTS
CBD is a rapidly growing commodity, and many people already take advantage of it to help manage a wide range of conditions, including depression.
Although studies on animals show that CBD has antidepressant properties, more human clinical studies are still needed in order to know if CBD is an effective treatment for depression.
Before using CBD for depression, make sure that you communicate with a health care expert, especially if you are currently taking antidepressant medication since CBD might react to these prescriptions.
SOURCES:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
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