CBD FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA

According to studies that deal with epidemiology, there is a relation between the use of cannabis and Psychosis. Strains that have traces of THC depicted a high risk of Schizophrenia. THC is known to display psychotic symptoms that are acute in healthy individuals after breaching a particular dosage threshold

Research by Williams & Nutbrown (2021) reviewed the possible health benefits of CBD oil. There is a hand full of information about CBD’s ability to treat conditions such as pain due to bruises, anxiety, and sleep disorders. However, this is considered too little because the uses of CBD have not yet been exploited fully. Conditions like Schizophrenia have been in the weighing balance to see if CBD can be used to treat this condition. Schizophrenia is a condition that affects one mentally in that one doesn't see reality. Patients with this condition experience disorganized thinking, speaking, and hallucinations. More about CBD and the treatment of Schizophrenia is mentioned in this article.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disease that affects one’s ability to behave, think, and feel. Patients suffering from this disease display symptoms such as hallucinations, disorganized speech, less participation in daily activities, memory lapse, and experiencing things outside of the real world. The main cause of this disease is not yet known, but it has something to do with changed brain chemistry, genetics, and the environment at large.

What to Note about CBD and Schizophrenia

Though there is less research about CBD and Schizophrenia, here is the small evidence gathered about CBD and Schizophrenia by Morgan & Curran (2008). Others had this to say about CBD and schizophrenia:

Positive, Negative Symptoms Cognition

CBD may be helpful in cognitive matters when it comes to treating Schizophrenia. A study by Batalla et al. (2019) concluded that out of 42 patients treated with either amisulpride or CBD, both got better, but those given CBD displayed minor side effects. However, it should be remembered that a small study involved only young men.

Psychosis

Losing connection with reality is called Psychosis. This condition is experienced by people who have Schizophrenia. In research by Chesney et al. (2021), CBD depicted some positive improvements. However, large-scale trials are required in affirming the effectiveness of CBD, especially for first-time psychosis patients.

What One Should Know

According to studies that deal with epidemiology, there is a relation between the use of cannabis and Psychosis. Strains that have traces of THC have depicted a high risk when it comes to Schizophrenia. Nonetheless, it is the opposite when it comes to CBD strains. THC is known to display psychotic symptoms that are acute in healthy individuals after breaching a particular dosage threshold. On the other hand, CBD decreases both CBD and cognition and psychosis impairments. Patients who have Schizophrenia have deficits in their cognition ability that are 85% affected. The positive effect brought about by CBD is important.

How CBD Works

The mechanism behind the CBDs properties in antipsychotics is not known despite several clinical and epidemiological studies that support the use of CBD in the management of Psychosis. CBD does not affect dopaminergic neurons, unlike other antipsychotics. CBD lacks the binding effects of other receptors such as THC. On the other hand, CBD   indirectly rises the anandamide CFS levels, one of the main endocannabinoids, by preventing metabolizing enzymes and FAAH. This indicates that CBD is a latent go-between in managing Psychosis through boosting anandamide levels. Medical research on the endocannabinoid system states that the present pharmacological treatment for Schizophrenia is effective moderately and doesn’t highlight negative symptoms. Nonetheless, there is an inconsistency in results regarding the efficacy of CBD when it comes to the treatment of Schizophrenia and episodes brought about by Psychosis.

Can Antipsychotics Replace CBD Oil?

Do not replace your medication with alternative treatment methods before proceeding to a doctor for advice. CBD might negatively interact with antipsychotic drugs because it acts roughly the same as drugs. In a trial done on an animal, the results found that CBD reduced hyperlocomotion, an effect of ketamine and amphetamine in schizophrenic people. Also, CBD did not cause catalepsy, which is a seizure. Indeed, the mechanism of action in CBD is the same as that of antipsychotics. However, these findings are animal-based.

Side Effects and Risks

No evidence depicts that CBD can cause Psychosis. There is proof that CBD can manage anxiety and also improve the response of people suffering from stress. CBD’s effects can be used for hyperactivity and elevate hyperactivity when needed. CBD is a harmless substance since studies have tested high doses such as 1500mg per day with no side effects. However, there are mild reactions that one may experience when taking more than the body requires. The side effects include; diarrhea, dry mouth, change of appetite, and dizziness. There is a risk in the reaction between the medication of Schizophrenia and CBD whereby there might be a negative interaction between CBD and the other medication. Therefore, it is very important to consult your doctor before adding CBD to the list of medications given.

Conclusion

Due to CBD’s therapeutic effects, it may be used in managing Schizophrenia. It can also play a role in treating Psychosis induced by cannabis for people who consume high strains of THC. Our mental health is likely to be affected positively by the high contents of CBD. Treating mental health can be done by treating anxiety and improving the body's response while experiencing stress. Without the negative side effects of medication prescribed to schizophrenic patients, Studies have concluded that CBD is very efficient in dealing with mental disorders. The reason is that cannabinoids have a calming effect on the nervous system. Major clinical trials have mixed results when researching more about CBD and Schizophrenia. It is advisable to holistically consult a psychiatrist before moving towards medication and adding CBD to the picture.

References

Batalla, A., Janssen, H., Gangadin, S. S., & Bossong, M. G. (2019). The Potential Of Cannabidiol As A Treatment For Psychosis And Addiction: Who Benefits Most? A Systematic Review. Journal Of Clinical Medicine, 8(7), 1058.

Chesney, E., Oliver, D., & Mcguire, P. (2021). Cannabidiol (CBD) As A Novel Treatment In The Early Phases Of Psychosis. Psychopharmacology, 1-12.

Morgan, C. J., & Curran, H. V. (2008). Effects Of Cannabidiol On Schizophrenia-Like Symptoms In People Who Use Cannabis. The British Journal Of Psychiatry, 192(4), 306-307.

Williams, C., & Nutbrown, D. L. (2021). A Review Of Research Into The Health Benefits Of Cannabidiol (CBD). The Neighborhood Academy: Pittsburgh, PA, USA.