Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a horrible condition that makes healthy people unable to live a normal life. It is an “invisible” disease that affects the mind, causing stress, fear, depression, and anxiety. It occurs after exposure to an excessively traumatic or stressful situation, to the point where it leaves mental sequelae, and is more common among soldiers and emergency service workers. Being a very complicated condition, there is no quick cure, and a combination of therapies and treatments is often needed. Recently, many patients are turning to CBD oil as a supplement to their therapy, as more and more research shows that it could help reduce fear and anxiety. So we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at exactly what happens.
CBD: does it help reduce anxiety?
It is important to understand that, although research on CBD oil is quite promising, it is still at a very early stage. There is not enough evidence to draw conclusive arguments, but what has been done so far is very promising.
Most research on CBD in relation to PTSD focuses on anxiety. By helping to reduce anxiety, much of the stress and fear can be eliminated, making the condition more manageable. A study conducted last year conducted a meta-analysis of all current research on CBD and how it affects anxiety, even in humans. It was discovered that although more evidence is needed, there is a strong indication that CBD is effective in helping with the treatment of various anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Meta-analysis
Reducing the threat
An increase in the perception of threats is often a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder, and those who suffer from it often see everyday things and situations as threats. Science has been investigating the ability of CBD to affect these responses in an attempt to explore other treatment possibilities. It has been found that CBD seems to facilitate the neurotransmission of 5HT1A in the brain, reducing anxiety caused by that perception of threat.
The investigation.
The statistics
Science is also interested in those who consume CBD. In this case, the researchers analyzed 80 psychiatric evaluations of people using medical marijuana to treat PTSD, so both THC and CBD were present. Each participant underwent a scale test for post-traumatic stress disorder administered by the doctor before and after cannabis use, a scale used to establish the severity of the condition. In the case of participants who used cannabis, a reduction of 75% was observed. This indicates that cannabinoids such as CBD and THC play an important role in the treatment of PTSD.
The study
As you can see, extensive clinical trials have not yet been conducted, but science is laying the groundwork. CBD is not considered as a treatment for PTSD, but we hope that over time the exact role it plays will be discovered.