Can CBD Be Used In The Management Of Depression?

Figures show that 300 million people worldwide have depression and 16.2 million adults in the United States have experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. In other words, 6.7% of all adults in the country have depression, a condition that is largely misunderstood. Depression is more than feeling sad, it is characterized by various mental and physical symptoms that affect your life. Fortunately, this condition is manageable. In this post, we’re going to focus on the potential use of best CBD oil in the management of depression.

Can CBD help manage depression?

For centuries, different cultures have been using cannabis plants to treat stress, depression, anxiety, and other psychological difficulties. Science is gradually catching up with traditional medicine and an increasing number of studies emerge supporting the benefit of high-quality types of CBD oil in the management of depression. A growing body of evidence confirms that CBD exhibits antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.

A study whose findings were published in a journal Neuropsychobiology found that CBD showed pro-hedonic effects in rats which also experienced improvements in characteristically low motivation. The research confirmed antidepressant effects of CBD, but it showed much more than that. The study was the first one to use the genetic model of depression and revealed that CBD can be of huge benefit for cases of clinical depression, which tends to be severe and difficult to manage. Basically, CBD helps manage depression even when it’s serious and with prominent anhedonia. Anhedonia is defined as the inability to feel pleasure or be happy about things or activities you used to enjoy, a common symptom of depression.

April 2016 issue of a journal Neuropharmacology featured an interesting study which explored the effects of CBD administration on depression. Findings revealed that CBD exerts maintained and rapid antidepressant-like effects by enhancing levels of serotonin and glutamate. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in good mood, appetite, memory, sleep, and overall wellbeing. Serotonin deficiency is common in people with depression. By regulating levels of this neurotransmitter, CBD aids management of depression and the same applies to glutamate. Glutamate is a principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It sends signals to the brain and throughout your body.

CBD could decrease antidepressant use

Depression is a serious condition, but it is manageable. Today, the most common treatment approach is the use of antidepressants coupled with therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT helps patients discover the root of their depression so they can manage this condition effectively. It also helps patients deal with different life situations better than they used to. Antidepressants are also considered an effective treatment for depression, but they can induce serious side effects. On the other hand, CBD oil could decrease the need to use antidepressants. One study surveyed 2400 subjects who used CBD to address some health condition and found that most of them stopped using traditional medications. About 42% participants used CBD to treat depression, anxiety, joint pain, and insomnia while 80% said they found CBD products very or extremely effective.

Basically, regular use of CBD could decrease the need to use antidepressants. That said, you shouldn’t decrease the dosage or discontinue taking antidepressants without consulting your doctor first. Your doctor will tell you whether it is safe for you or not to alter your dosage.

Tips to manage depression

In addition to CBD, management of depression requires a proactive approach. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to feel better and manage your condition, such as:

Keep your weight in a healthy range
Get enough sleep
Manage stress
Avoid alcohol
Create a routine
Set goals for yourself
Volunteer or sign up for a class
Take up a hobby
Exercise regularly
Meditate and practice yoga
Challenge negative thoughts with positive alternatives

Conclusion

Depression affects millions of people in the US and worldwide. While it may seem like a “no way out” problem to a patient, it is entirely possible to manage depression with a proactive attitude. Besides doctor-recommended treatments, CBD shows great potential for this purpose and numerous studies have confirmed it. Make sure you only get the best CBD oil to address depression and consult your doctor before you do so.

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Elena Ognivtseva

Nutritionist at coloradocleancbd.com

Nutritionist – Cornell University, MS

I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round.

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