Can CBD be used to treat psychosis?
What is cannabidiol?
The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has existed for thousands of years. However, in France and Europe, the use of this substance is prohibited and punishable by law. Cannabis is a highly complex plant with no fewer than 100 cannabinoids. The psychoactive compound in this plant is called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Furthermore, cannabis contains another molecule called CBD (cannabidiol), a molecule that is full of therapeutic properties and whose consumption is perfectly legal in France. Of course, this molecule does not produce any psychoactive effects.
CBD works through the endocannabinoid system. It binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the brain, peripheral organs, skin, and immune system to relieve pain and provide immediate relaxation.
This substance is used to gently relieve a variety of ailments. Well-known for its ability to combat stress and anxiety, CBD is also said to be effective in relieving the symptoms of psychosis.
What is psychosis?
Psychosis can be defined as a loss of contact with reality. A person suffering from this condition finds themselves unable to differentiate between what is real and what is not during a psychotic episode.
According to recent studies, 3 out of 100 people may experience a psychotic episode during their lifetime. These are usually people in their early twenties or during their teens.
The symptoms of psychosis vary from person to person; some people experience visual and/or auditory hallucinations, while others become completely disoriented and lose touch with the real world, experiencing delusions.
Psychoses can be a symptom of several psychiatric conditions: bipolar disorder , personality disorders, schizophrenia, depression, etc. A psychotic episode can even occur following the use of drugs or hallucinogenic substances.
How to treat psychosis?
Many people recover very well from psychosis, especially if help is received early. Treatment can be provided in a psychiatric facility or on an outpatient basis.
Antipsychotic medications are often prescribed to relieve symptoms and space out psychotic episodes. The goal of this treatment is to calm the patient and reduce the hallucinations they may experience during episodes.
How does CBD work on psychosis?
Traditional antipsychotics are designed to act directly on the affected patient's neurotransmitters: serotonin, acetylcholine, noradrenaline, and primarily dopamine. Conventional treatment will, in particular, regulate the secretion of dopamine (which is secreted in excess during psychosis).
Some doctors and researchers have looked into the potential use of cannabidiol as an antipsychotic. They have reviewed all the studies that have been done on the subject, with the result that there is insufficient data to make a definitive statement on the subject.
In summary, it is currently impossible to determine how CBD works in patients with psychosis. All that can be said is that it cannot replace conventional treatment.
What do studies say about CBD and psychosis?
A study was conducted on 33 patients with psychosis by scanning certain areas of the brain. After consuming cannabidiol, activity levels in the striatum and the temporal and medial cortex of the brain returned to normal. These three regions have been linked to psychosis according to several studies.
Although still insufficient, this study could revolutionize the treatment of psychosis. Indeed, many researchers have looked into the subject since this study, but there is no reliable data showing that CBD is a treatment for psychosis.
Can CBD reduce symptoms of psychosis?
Although there is no data on how CBD works in psychosis, it may help relieve some symptoms.
CBD acts on receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The role of this system is to maintain a certain balance in the human body: homeostasis. When a patient experiences a psychotic episode due to a nervous system dysfunction, CBD can help restore balance and reduce the intensity of the crisis.
Among the triggers of a psychotic episode is exposure to intense stress . CBD is known to be a powerful relaxant. Therefore, people suffering from psychosis due to a traumatic event can use CBD to reduce symptoms. CBD can also be used as a solution for insomnia and difficulty falling asleep in patients suffering from psychotic episodes.
What precautions should be taken before consuming CBD?
First and foremost, if you or a loved one is suffering from psychosis, it is essential to see a psychiatrist to establish a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Psychosis can be a symptom of a more serious psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia. Self-diagnosis and self-medication are strongly discouraged.
Yes, CBD can help relieve some symptoms of psychosis, such as irritation and stress, but it cannot permanently treat the condition. It also cannot be used to prevent the onset of psychotic episodes.
Before consuming CBD, be sure to seek the advice of your psychiatrist. Indeed, this substance can interfere with your treatment for psychosis. Finally, do not stop your medication overnight to take CBD.
CBD generally does not cause any side effects. However, if you notice any unusual effects or have any concerns, do not hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Respect the CBD dosage
If your doctor approves CBD for psychosis, be careful not to exceed the recommended dose. This varies depending on several factors, such as your age, weight, and health. Generally, a standard dose is between 10 mg and 100 mg of CBD per day, which is roughly equivalent to taking 6 drops of CBD oil three times a day.
