Bipolar disorder is a typical health condition marked by extreme shifts in energy levels, moods, and focus. The standard treatment of this disorder is prescription medications, but many people are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) for relief. Can CBD treat Bipolar Disorder? If you are curious about it, go through this article. This post features the efficacy of CBD for Bipolar disorder.
At one point, you may feel depressed, lonely, or lose interest in doing work. But when your mood changes to mania, you get euphoric and full of energy. These abnormal mood changes affect your ability to think and judge. Sometimes, it’s hard to diagnose this disorder because not everyone experiences the same symptoms.
What is CBD?
CBD is an active, potent ingredient of the cannabis plant used for several reasons. Whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, its role is significant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not cause the sensation of getting high. It is non-psychoactive, but at the same time, it is highly beneficial for mental health conditions. These days, it comes in many forms, including:
Oil and Tinctures
Manufacturers extract CBD from the cannabis plant and then dilute it with a carrier oil to make CBD oil. However, they use alcohol-based extracts instead of an oil base for tincture formulation. Both CBD oil and tincture come in bottles with easy-to-use droppers. You can take your dose orally, sublingually, or by mixing it in your food.
Vaping and Smoking products
Both vaping and smoking CBD involve heating concentrates and inhaling the resulting fumes. For inhalation, products like e-cigarettes, vape juices, vaporizers, dab rigs, and pre-roll joints are available in the market. Vaping is a safer option as it even helps users quit smoking habits. Moreover, e-juices contain fewer contaminants.
Edibles and Beverages
CBD edibles and drinks offer a delicious way to consume the compound. These products come as capsules, pills, gummies, tea, coffee, cakes, cookies, juices, milkshakes, smoothies, and more. They take up to two hours to kick in because the compound enters the bloodstream via the digestive tract and liver processing.
Topical products
CBD topicals are available as gels, ointments, lotions, balms, massage oil, face creams, and more. Some help relieves pain and itchy sensation, while others are cosmetic products. You can apply them directly to your skin and feel the effects within a few minutes.
Is CBD good for Bipolar Disorder?
According to a 2020 study, cannabinoids are effective for some hard-to-treat ailments, like cancer. But does CBD help with Bipolar Disorder? Yes, CBD is a potential choice due to its neurological benefits.
Traditional treatment
Since the 1960s, people have used lithium for bipolar disorder therapy as the primary treatment. However, many bipolar patients reported adverse effects of lithium and other psychosis medications. According to a research study, excessive lithium intake created critical conditions, like coma, brain damage, or even death. That’s why people looked for better ways to cope with their disorder.
CBD treatment plans
CBD is a plant compound proven to be a safe and well tolerable substance. Though studies on CBD usage for bipolar disorder are insufficient, many consider it better than traditional lithium therapy. It generates a similar response in the body as with psychiatric medications. It has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties vital for alleviating symptoms of the disorder.
Benefits of CBD for Bipolar Disorder
From emotional highs to depression lows, Bipolar disorder causes different episodes of moods. As per a study, report cannabis use helps patients with this disorder. This report states that cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, alleviate symptoms of both mania and depression. They tend to produce sedative, antidepressant, antipsychotic, and anticonvulsant effects. Make sure to consult your doctor before adding any cannabis derivative to your daily life.
Research on CBD for Bipolar Disorder
Research shows that CBD is a potential treatment for anxiety and mood disorders. The compound binds with cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). As exogenous cannabinoids, CBD mimics the same effects produced by endocannabinoids. It overcomes the deficits in ECS and helps enhance various associated bodily functions. It helps regulate mood, feelings, sleep, stress, thoughts, and behavior.
Since CBD and ECS play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis, researchers assume that the same theory works for bipolar disorder. They believe that imbalances created by this disorder are curable in the same way. Although research studies on this perspective are few and far between, the therapeutic potential of CBD is evident. It has neuroprotective properties that can alleviate the symptoms of bipolar affective disorder.
A recent research study shows the impact of CBD on psychiatric and medical conditions. According to this study, the cannabis compound helps with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Eventually, cannabidiol is more likely to benefit bipolar patients experiencing a depressive episode. However, this area of research is still in progress. More research is necessary to support CBD for bipolar disorder.
Can CBD treat Bipolar Disorder?
As a potential antipsychotic drug, CBD can treat psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorders. It provides a soothing remedy for racing thoughts, anxious ideas, and significant mood changes. The best part is that it relieves abnormal stress without causing unwanted side effects of prescription medications. Overall, the benefits of using the compound are:
Manages depressions
CBD contributes to regulating the neurotransmitters in the ECS. It stimulates anandamide, serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. These chemicals tend to elevate mood, resist overthinking, promote positivity, and calm your mind.
Neuroprotective aspects
CBD facilitates endocannabinoid signaling through the nervous system. The neuroprotection provided by the compound can alleviate bipolar symptoms effectively. It manages hypomania and depressive episodes in specific individuals.
Mood stabilizer
Rapid mood swing is the warning sign of bipolar disorder. It is due to neurochemical irregularities in specific brain areas. Cannabinoids, like CBD, play a central regulatory role in the ECS to maintain balance and emotional health.
Non-psychoactive agent
Both THC and CBD are active components of the Cannabis plant that offer therapeutic benefits. While THC causes intoxication, euphoria, and undesirable side effects, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. It treats several medical conditions without altering the mind.
Safe to use
Cannabidiol has a safe profile for humans. It is a well tolerable substance as long as you use it to a reasonable extent. Overdose may cause side effects, such as diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, or weight loss. However, you can overcome negative impacts by monitoring the reactions under medical care.
Best CBD for Bipolar Disorder
Choosing the right CBD product for the disorder is essential to attain desirable results. Buy only from reliable dealers selling legitimate cannabis derivatives. Commonly, the companies that manufacture the best CBD products use hemp organically grown on their farms. Some may even purchase from certified hemp producers. Besides considering the source, there are a few other things to verify when shopping for CBD for bipolar disorder.
CBD spectrum
CBD is available as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and pure isolate formulations. Full-spectrum hemp extracts comprise all-natural occurring compounds, including THC and terpenes. Broad-spectrum extracts also include multiple cannabis compounds, but it excludes THC. Both two spectra create an entourage effect due to the presence of numerous cannabinoids.
However, isolate is the purest form of CBD. People with bipolar disorders should opt for the CBD spectrum according to their tolerance levels and health conditions. It’s best to consult your doctor for guidance on your specific needs.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
COA is another significant factor to consider while selecting CBD for bipolar disorder. The certification ensures that the product passes third-party lab testing for potency and purity. It means that the CBD product is free from contaminants and safe to use. So, do some research and make sure you get along with the best.
Don’t forget to check the product reviews if you intend to buy from an online store. But if you purchase from a physical store or dispensary, make sure the shop is certified for selling hemp products.
Kyoto Botanicals REST(ful) Spearmint Tincture
Spearmint Tincture by Kyoto Botanicals helps calm your body and mind. Formulated with organic botanical ingredients, it offers a natural solution to psychiatric disorders.
Features
- 60 servings per bottle
- Strength- 600mg/1200mg
- Moderate CBD potency
- Colorado-grown hemp source
- Full-spectrum extracts
- Promotes relaxation
CBD Dosage for Bipolar Disorder
CBD offers a natural alternative to various synthetic, over-the-counter drugs. However, its efficiency mainly depends on the dose you take. Here are some key points for taking CBD for bipolar disorder:
- CBD full-spectrum products, like oil tinctures, are not for persons less than 21 years old.
- Always seek professional advice before making specific changes or adding CBD supplements to your health plan.
- Adjust your dose according to your needs. Generally, patients find relief upon taking one full dropper (0.5mL) two times daily.
- Place the oil drop under your tongue and hold for about thirty seconds before swallowing.
- If you are new to the CBD world, start low, monitor the effects, and increase the amount accordingly.
Summary
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic shifts in mood, activity, judgment, behavior, and ability to carry out routine tasks. Although its symptoms vary over time, this disorder may require lifelong treatment. Following a CBD for Bipolar Disorder treatment plan can help you manage the ailment and improve your lifestyle.
The compound reinforces healthy neurotransmitter functions that reduce the severity of bipolar disorders. Seek your doctor’s advice before adding it to your daily regime. The professional will examine your medical history, consider your manic symptoms, and guide you through the best treatment plan.
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