CBD and mental health
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PTSD (PTSD) - Bolsoni et al. (2022)
CBD is repeatedly associated with the processing of trauma.
For example, scientific studies have examined how orally administered CBD affects physical and subjective parameters in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to a placebo, before they play back a recording of their own traumatic experience.
If the experience was not sexual in nature, the experienced anxiety and cognitive impairment changed significantly less in the CBD group than in the placebo group. In the case of a sexual event, it made no significant difference which substance had been taken before the reenactment.
The authors concluded that the potential relieving effect of CBD could vary depending on the type of trauma.
This study is limited in its significance due to methodological problems, which is why more extensive research on CBD in PTSD is absolutely necessary.
Bolsoni, LM, Crippa, JAS, Hallak, JEC, Guimarães, FS, & Zuardi, AW (2022). The Anxiolytic Effect of Cannabidiol Depends on the Nature of the Trauma When Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Recall Their Trigger Event. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 44. https://doi.org/10.1590/1516-4446-2021-2317
Schizophrenia / Psychoses - White (2019)
Several studies have shown that CBD treatment can reduce schizophrenia-associated symptoms in certain dimensions.
In a study, 1000mg of CBD per day was administered for six weeks in addition to existing antipsychotic medication. Compared to the group that received a placebo instead of CBD, the positive symptoms of the illness decreased significantly, while negative symptoms did not.
Clinicians rated the improvement in the CBD group as significantly greater on average than in the placebo group. It was reported that the cognition and physical functioning of the schizophrenia patients tended to improve after CBD treatment.
Furthermore, there is evidence that even a single oral dose of 600mg CBD could reduce positive psychotic symptoms in the short term, or at least slow their increase, as has been studied in non-schizophrenic individuals.
Compared to the placebo group, these participants were less paranoid after THC consumption and their episodic memory was less impaired.
Some studies have found no positive effects of CBD on psychotic symptoms. Overall, the research is heterogeneous.
White, CM (2019). A Review of Human Studies Assessing Cannabidiol's (CBD) Therapeutic Actions and Potential. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 59(7), 923-934. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcph.1387
Fear - White (2019)
The anxiety-reducing effects of CBD are currently the subject of much discussion. However, there are only a few studies on this topic, and those that exist are methodologically limited.
Among other things, it was suggested that CBD might be able to reduce the anxiety that can be triggered by higher doses of delta-9-THC.
Taking CBD several hours before a public lecture seems to be able to limit the associated anxiety during and after the lecture.
Overall, the evidence regarding the anxiety-relieving effects of CBD is unclear.
White, CM (2019). A Review of Human Studies Assessing Cannabidiol's (CBD) Therapeutic Actions and Potential. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 59(7), 923-934. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcph.1387
Alcohol dependence - Turna et al. (2019)
Studies have shown that CBD is safe and well-tolerated. Furthermore, the risk of misuse is considered very low.
No interactions with alcohol were subjectively observed when combined with alcohol. CBD is currently being discussed and researched as a treatment option for alcohol addiction and as a means of prevention.
Although research in this area is still in its early stages, initial studies (especially animal studies) have yielded promising results.
CBD appears to have neuroprotective effects in the hippocampus against the adverse effects of alcohol consumption and to reduce fatty liver disease in rodents resulting from alcohol consumption. Furthermore, cravings decreased in rodents after they were administered CBD.
Turna, J., Syan, SK, Frey, BN, Rush, B., Costello, MJ, Weiss, M., & MacKillop, J. (2019). Cannabidiol as a Novel Candidate Alcohol Use Disorder Pharmacotherapy: A Systematic Review. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 43(4), 550-563. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13964
Bonaccorso et al. (2019)
CBD could be helpful in treating various psychiatric disorders.
To a certain extent, this could, for example, alleviate symptoms of cannabis withdrawal. Furthermore, CBD appears to be able to lessen psychotic states.
Anxiety in performance-related situations may also be reduced by prior CBD administration. Furthermore, there is weak, but incomplete and sometimes heterogeneous, evidence for its effectiveness in treating disorders of mood, sleep, personality, neurocognition, and eating behavior.
The usefulness of CBD for obsessive-compulsive disorder, traumatized individuals, dissociative or somatic disorders, and autism spectrum disorders is also being discussed.
CBD may have antidepressant, antipsychotic, and anxiolytic effects, among others. It may improve cognition and counteract cravings.
Depending on the approach, CBD was used as monotherapy or as an adjunct to existing medication. Sedation was reported as a side effect.
CBD appears to be a promising treatment for a range of psychiatric problems. However, its effectiveness has not been proven and needs further investigation in clinical trials.
So far, there is still much uncertainty about how and under what conditions CBD could have the reported effects and what side effects can be expected with long-term use.
Bonaccorso, S., Ricciardi, A., Zangani, C., Chiappini, S., & Schifano, F. (2019). Cannabidiol (CBD) Use in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review. NeuroToxicology, 74, 282-298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2019.08.002
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