Can CBD actually manage symptoms of PTSD?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD can develop following exposure to a potentially stressful event that is not a usual stressor. It is commonly associated with military veterans. Most of us have been affected by trauma in some manner, and according to research published in the National Library of Medicine, at least 10% of the population will experience PTSD. It can result from a multitude of causes, including abuse, war, accidents, natural disasters, or devastating loss. Traumatic situations, such as witnessing or being engaged in an assault or accident, as well as living through a natural or man-made disaster, can all contribute to this condition. Adults and children who experience traumatic situations over time may acquire complicated PTSD. It can occur at any age, and approximately 6.8% of individuals will have it at some point in their lives. 

It is important for the family members to intervene here as it may be overwhelming and impede one’s ability to cope. Someone suffering from PTSD may become agitated, disconnected, or lonely after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event. Current treatment options are generally ineffective and may cause adverse side effects. Although there are various therapies for PTSD, there is growing evidence that CBD can help patients manage their symptoms. There is accumulating evidence that CBD may help to reduce and manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, research is still in its early stages. In this blog, we will get to know more about it before you decide to buy cbd oil.

What are the symptoms that are usually associated with PTSD?

People with PTSD may experience re-experiencing, avoidance, arousal and reactivity, as well as cognitive and emotional disorders. These symptoms include

Re-experiencing: Symptoms include flashbacks, frequent dreams, disturbing thoughts, and physical indicators of stress.

Avoidance: These symptoms include avoiding places, memories, or thoughts that bring back memories of the traumatic experience.

Arousal and reactivity: These symptoms include being easily startled, having problems concentrating, feeling impatient or having furious outbursts, and engaging in unsafe or reckless behaviour.

Cognition and mood symptoms: These include being unable to remember certain aspects of a traumatic incident, having difficulty feeling pleasant emotions, and experiencing persistent negative emotions such as guilt, wrath, and humiliation.

Is there any correlation between COVID-19 and PTSD?

COVID-19 was a traumatic experience for many people. Research states that the pandemic resulted in a significant increase in the number of people suffering from PTSD in a short period of time. A 2023 study of 329 individuals who survived hospitalization after catching the virus discovered that 26.7% experienced PTSD symptoms. The researchers discovered that females who coughed and had difficulties breathing were more likely to have PTSD symptoms. COVID-19 affected people who were not hospitalized. According to one study, adolescents were particularly affected, with older teens living in cities being more prone to exhibit PTSD symptoms.

What is the available treatment and where does CBD step in?

Currently, medication and psychotherapy are used to treat PTSD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), medicines include antidepressants, which may help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Doctors may also prescribe medicines to help patients sleep and avoid nightmares.

Other therapies include psychotherapy or talking treatment, which typically lasts 6-12 weeks. PTSD patients may benefit from cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT). Memory extinction (exposure) treatment is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy.

A 2019 literature review on medical cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, and PTSD discovered that CBD may help alleviate PTSD symptoms. However, before you head to buy cbd oil there is little evidence of CBD’s safety and effectiveness when used to treat PTSD, and additional research is needed.

Can make it difficult for the brain to form new memories: Some old research states that consuming CBD right after a stressful experience may make it more difficult for the brain to build memories that would later develop and produce PTSD symptoms. However, this field of research is still emerging, and more research is needed to discover how CBD affects traumatic memories.

Promote hippocampus growth and minimize amygdala hyperactivity: Researchers are yet unsure why CBD may be effective as a treatment for PTSD. However, according to a report from 2018, CBD may have an effect on the amygdala and hippocampus in the brain. According to the report, patients with PTSD have an overactive amygdala, which may exacerbate their symptoms. 

Which form of CBD should be taken by PTSD patients?

Several research have looked into whether CBD is an effective treatment for PTSD. To find out, researchers have used various types of CBD from CBD oil to CBD softgel to CBD balm and here is what they could find out:

CBD capsules: A short research from a 2019 study of ten individuals discovered that people with PTSD who took CBD capsules in addition to standard counselling experienced a reduction in symptoms.

CBD oil: A 2019 study of 18-19-year-olds in Japan found that administering 300 milligrams of CBD oil orally reduced anxiety-related symptoms. However, this study did not look specifically at CBD oil and PTSD.

CBD and THC: A 2018 literature review reveals that a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD may help alleviate PTSD symptoms.

However, THC may cause more severe negative effects than CBD. According to a 2020 systematic review, THC may enhance the likelihood of psychosis and schizophrenia in persons who are already predisposed to these disorders due to family history. Researchers should do additional trials to evaluate whether CBD products containing THC are a safe and effective treatment for PTSD.

What is the dose of CBD oil for PTSD?

CBD oil is primarily ingested in the form of drops. Place the dosage beneath your tongue for easy absorption, then swallow within 30 seconds to a minute. High CBD doses ranging from 12 mg to 25 mg have been shown in tests to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms, with effects appearing within 1-2 hours of consuming the oil.

If you’re considering using CBD oil for the first time, begin with a small dose and gradually increase. Dosage recommendations vary according to the product and the right dosage depends upon your weight and desired strength. 

So we’re saying:

Individuals with a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia should consult a healthcare practitioner who specializes in this area before using CBD products, especially if they contain THC. Hempstrol is one such brand that specializes in CBD and THC-based products and also provides online medical consultations to their consumers. They have a website too from where you can cbd oil India buy online and get the required consultation on the strength and potency you should choose from. 

Other treatments, such as medicine or alternative therapies, may also be recommended by healthcare specialists. People can collaborate with their healthcare team to determine the most effective method to address PTSD anxiety.

At last, one needs to understand that there is no quick solution to get rid of PTSD flashbacks. However, data suggests that cannabidiol may also aid with symptom management, such as lowering fatigue and stress and increasing restful sleep.