Anxiety disorders are a common mental health issue worldwide, characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes such as increased blood pressure and heart rate. The pathophysiology of anxiety is related to key neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and serotonin. The proposed anti-anxiety activity of CBD may result from its ability to inhibit the inactivation of a neurotransmitter called AEA and/or interact with 5-HT1A receptors.
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of CBD on anxiety. One double-blind study involving 10 men with generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) found that CBD reduced subjective anxiety compared to placebo. Another study involving healthy volunteers submitted to a stressful simulated public speaking (SPS) test found that CBD decreased anxiety. A similar study found that CBD reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in speech performance in treatment-naive SAD patients submitted to SPS test.
CBD has also been found to have an inverted U-shaped dose-response relationship for reducing anxiety. The studies found that the effective dosage of CBD for reducing anxiety was 300 mg. Additionally, a case series analysis involving 72 psychiatric patients with primary concern of anxiety found that CBD therapy (25-175 mg/day) may benefit patients suffering from anxiety-related disorders.
Overall, current studies support the use of CBD as a promising therapy for the treatment of anxiety. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects of CBD on anxiety. It’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially when it comes to CBD.
Link to original article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcpt.13710
