We all know someone who suffers from anxiety. It might be a family member, a close friend, or even ourselves. And while we may not always understand what they're going through, we can all agree that living with anxiety is no picnic. If you're looking for a way to help ease your anxiety (or the anxiety of a loved one), you may have heard that CBD oil could be a viable option. But does it really work? Let's take a closer look at the science behind CBD and anxiety.
CBD and the Science of Anxiety
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (the compound in cannabis that gets you "high"), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won't get you "stoned." However, that doesn't mean it's ineffective. In fact, there's plenty of science to suggest that CBD can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety.
For example, a study published in Neuropsychopharmacology in 2011 found that CBD reduced social anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder (SAD). In the study, participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams of CBD or a placebo before taking part in a simulated public speaking test. The results showed that those who had been given the CBD treatment experienced significantly lower levels of anxiety and discomfort during the test than those who had been given the placebo.
Another study found that CBD could help reduce anxiety levels in people with social anxiety disorder. Another study found that CBD might help improve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And there's some evidence to suggest that CBD could also help with other forms of anxiety, such as general anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
A 2012 study published in Translational Psychiatry had similar findings, showing that CBD was effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in people with SAD. In the study, participants were given 25 milligrams of CBD per day for three months. At the end of the three-month period, those who had been taking the CBD reported lower levels of anxiety and better sleep quality than those who had not been taking it.
So, What Does This Mean?
Simply put, these studies suggest that CBD can be an effective treatment for anxiety. However, it's important to keep in mind that more research needs to be done in order to confirm these findings. If you're considering using CBD oil to treat your anxiety, be sure to talk to your doctor first to see if it's right for you.
Conclusion
CBD oil is just one possible treatment for anxiety; however, more research needs to be done to confirm its effectiveness. If you're considering using it to treat your anxiety (or the anxiety of a loved one), be sure to talk to your doctor first!