3 Studies that show CBD may help Anxiety

The significance of anxiety as a genuine ailment does not resonate with the entire population. However, to those who experience the unpleasant inner turmoil that accompanies anticipation, anxiety can be a constant struggle.

Often occurring as a by-product of other disorders including depression or bipolar, anxiety can vary in its severity. From mild anxiety where one may experience anticipatory fear before public speaking, to severe anxiety disorders which can lead to withdrawal from society and suicidal tendencies.

While common treatments for anxiety include lifestyle changes, therapy and a cocktail of medications, there has been no definitive cure for the common disorder. However, recent studies have indicated that CBD, one of the most prevalent cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, could play a vital role in the treatment of anxiety in the long term.

1. A 2013 research study published in the Berlin Journal of Psychopharmacology discovered that CBD can enhance consolidation of extinction learning in humans. Extinction learning is the exposure of a patient to a feared object or context without any danger. This study demonstrated that when patients were given a 32mg dose of CBD prior to extinction based therapies, their results were dramatically improved, leading to a decrease in anxious tendencies.

2. A 2011 study by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology tested the effects of CBD on Anxiety patients when public speaking. Half of the patients were given a 600mg dose of CBD while the other half were given a placebo. Both groups were then asked to participate in public speaking.

The group treated with CBD showed significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, discomfort and alert levels, while the group treated with a placebo showed significant increases in anxious tendencies. The study showed that the group treated with CBD had similar results to patients who did not have anxiety and were asked to participate in the public speaking experiment.

3. Another 2011 study by the Oxford Journal of Psychopharmacology wanted to test the effects of CBD on the underlying brain mechanisms that cause anxiety. Patients in this study were split in two groups, with one group given CBD and the other a Placebo. Blood flow in certain regions of the brain that are linked to anxiety were measured throughout the study. Relative to the results for the placebo group, CBD was associated with significantly decreased subjective anxiety. This study not only suggested that CBD reduces anxiety in patients with Social Anxiety Disorder, but also pinpointed CBD activity in specific regions of the brain.

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