Can CBD Help Schizophrenia?
CBD has been one of the hottest supplements of the past
year. Tens of millions
of Americans began trying the compound after its 2018 legalization.
CBD has proven to be very popular because of anecdotal evidence. Numerous
studies show that the supplement has tremendous potential, being able to
help people who suffer from an array of physical and emotional conditions.
More evidence is needed before definitive conclusions can be
made, but many are hopeful about CBD's potential to address many challenges.
Particularly those related to mental
health.
One of the more prominent and severe mental illnesses in
America is Schizophrenia. This devastating disorder affects millions of Americans
and comes with severe, debilitating symptoms.
Although, many are asking whether CBD can be used to help
people who suffer from this disease.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a severe
mental illness. It can significantly impair someone's ability to function
in society. It comes with highly disruptive symptoms, including:
- hallucinations
- delusions
- disrupted thought patterns
This disease can also be very difficult to treat. Medication, therapy,
and other forms of assistance provide some relief, but not necessarily enough.
Many individuals have
turned to non-traditional
ways of treating this mental illness. This includes trying CBD.
How Can CBD help with Schizophrenia?
It is worth noting that there is a connection between THC
and Schizophrenia. But not necessarily in a good way. Some studies found that
long-time users of marijuana are more likely to show
signs of Schizophrenia.
However, THC
is a cannabinoid, and it is not CBD, which is an entirely separate cannabinoid.
This is worth mentioning because some believe that CBD can actually have a
moderating impact on some of THC's most severe effects. This would potentially
indicate that CBD could help people with schizophrenia.
There is some evidence to suggest that this is the
case. For example, some
doctors have noted that CBD seems to have impacts that are like other
antipsychotics.
This could imply that CBD may be helpful at
assisting individuals who suffer from Schizophrenia.
Some studies have more formally examined the role that CBD has amongst people who suffer from Schizophrenia.
For example, a 2019 study noted that CBD may help to improve cognition. This could potentially improve a symptom that is commonly felt by schizophrenic individuals.
A CBD schizophrenia study showed that among the small
clinical groups most showed significant relief.
Most importantly have been other studies that have shown
that CBD may be able to reduce psychotic symptoms. These studies have shown
potential benefits when compared to a placebo group.
Additional studies have noted that CBD may have beneficial
impacts on people who suffer from schizophrenia, creating
fewer side effects than more traditional medications.
Another 2019 study
made similar findings. By reviewing available research, they found evidence
that CBD may be useful for people who suffer from a variety of issues,
including:
- hyperlocomotion
- social withdrawal
- cognition deficits
- inhibition challenges
All the above fall in line with some other tests that have
shown that CBD may be able to help relieve signs of other mental illnesses.
Studies have noted that CBD seems to aid in reducing the
symptoms felt by people who suffer from many different
mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety.
It is highly possible that CBD may be useful for
people who suffer from schizophrenia.
Yet, that doesn't mean that someone who is schizophrenic
should simply stop taking their medication and take CBD instead.
What Kind of CBD should I take?
The best way to deliver CBD to your ECS
is by orally ingesting it! CBD gummies are a fun
and easy way to get the relief you need, while also enjoying a delicious treat.
CBD
oil tinctures are another great way to get relief fast. The oil is potent
and can be added to beverages, as well as meals! CBD oils come in full-spectrum,
broad-spectrum, or as an isolate.
Important Considerations
As noted above, CBD may have the potential to help people
with Schizophrenia. But, there are some important considerations to keep in
mind.
First: CBD is not, under any circumstances, an approved medication for people with Schizophrenia. No one should take CBD instead of taking psychiatric medicine as prescribed by a doctor.
Second, do not take CBD without consulting with a medical
professional first. To be clear, this is not because CBD is particularly
dangerous or has problematic side effects - indeed, CBD's side effects are
generally viewed as mild
and tolerable.
However, CBD does interact with some
medications in a way that can be problematic for users, potentially causing
people who take medications to absorb more of a medication than they are meant
to.
It follows that individuals who are suffering from
Schizophrenia and are also taking medications should check to make sure that their
medication is compatible with CBD.
Keep in mind that you would check with a doctor before
starting any supplement - not just CBD.
Third, make sure that you only purchase high-quality CBD. The CBD
vendor should be clear about where the CBD was farmed, as well as their
compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Furthermore, they should make a Certificate of Analysis
available. This certificate is proof - conducted by a third-party vendor - of
where the CBD came from and what is in it.
It will confirm that the CBD contains what the vendor
purports it to, and this can help ensure that users are only using high-quality
CBD. Always make sure you do your research about the CBD brand before taking
their products.
The Final Verdict
As of yet, insufficient evidence exists to definitively say
that CBD can help people with schizophrenia. However, it does seem clear that
evidence exists to show that CBD
can potentially help people who suffer from the disease.
If your medical professionals clear you to do so, it may be
worth trying the compound. It may help with your symptoms, as others have found
relief from CBD for their schizophrenic symptoms.
If you want to learn more about CBD for Schizophrenia,
contact Eden’s Herbals at
[email protected] today!
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the
Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure
any illness. Medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party
content providers, expert bloggers or doctors not directly affiliated with
Eden’s Herbals.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to
taking CBD. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before
starting any new CBD treatment or medication that is not FDA approved.