CBD & Social Anxiety Disorder
The relationship between Cannabis and stress is interesting. High concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are often associated with anxiety attacks, but it is well documented that cannabidiol (CBD) may counteract this effect.
A team of Brazilian researchers published an article in the 2011 Journal of Psychopharmacology, which further investigates the link between cannabidiol (CBD) and Social Anxiety Disorder. Their results show that CBD could help people with Social Anxiety Disorder help manage their symptoms.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Influencing 12% of Americans during their lifetime (there are no official figures for Greeks yet), Social Anxiety Disorder is the most common form of anxiety and one of the most common mental disorders in general. It is also known as Social Phobia. By definition, Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by intense fear in one or more social situations. In turn, this fear can cause discomfort at the point where it interferes with daily functioning.
Interestingly, people with Social Anxiety Disorder experience anxiety that can be triggered by “theoretical or real control” by others. For some it only happens in certain cases, but others may experience this stress permanently.
Brazilian researchers are investigating CBD and human stress
To test the link between cannabidiol (CBD) and stress, Brazilian researchers created a group of 10 people diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder. They then used functional neuroimaging to assess the amount of blood flow to different parts of the brain, observing the effects of CBD. In the first session, half received an oral dose of 400 mg Cannabidiol and the other half received placebo. The roles were reversed in the second session, so that all 10 participants were treated with CBD at some point.
According to the results of the study, Cannabidiol (CBD) was associated with a significant reduction in subjective stress. Blood flow to the brain after treatment with CBD also appears to have an anxiolytic effect in the areas of the brain that control emotions. Extending what that might mean, Dr. J.A. Crippa, who led the Brazilian research team, said : “The results show that CBD reduces the stress of Social Anxiety Disorder and that it is related to its effect on the activity of the borderline and paracetamol area of the brain,” says the lead lead researcher.
While the results of this study are promising, it should be noted that the sample size (10 participants) is very small. More research will be needed in the future to determine the ideal doses of CBD for the reliable treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder in humans.
source : http://www.medicaljane.com/2014/05/28/study-cannabidiol-cbd-may-help-treat-social-anxiety-disorder/#
