PTSD and CBD Oil – Can cannabidiol help with trauma?
It is an unfortunate truth that for too many of us, traumatic experiences can leave lasting psychological scars. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people in the UK and stems from a range of experiences from war to accidents, abuse and more. For those affected, there is no escaping the horror of what happened and the psychological damage can be particularly devastating.
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Unfortunately, help is available, but many PTSD sufferers are hesitant to turn to traditional drugs to treat their symptoms. This is why many are now looking to cannabidiol (CBD) therapies as a possible solution. In this article, we look at what current research says about CBD oil and PTSD and how it could offer a viable alternative to traditional drugs.
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What is PTSD?
Essentially, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that occurs after a ‘traumatic event’ or sequence of events. Sufferers struggle to overcome the trauma and are usually plagued by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, emotional detachment, anxiety and depression. An estimated 10% of the population suffers from PTSD, but the condition is strongly linked to military combatants and the number of veterans affected may be as high as 20%.
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What does the research say about CBD oil and PTSD?
Current evidence suggests that the use of Marijuana CBD for post-traumatic stress disorder may actually provide benefits. Research conducted on mice in 2014 found that CBD helps reduce anxiety, improves sleep, and reduces signs of post-traumatic stress. Other research suggests that CBD may help reduce symptoms of ‘hyperarousal’, such as increased heart rate, insomnia, irritability and anger outbursts.
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Research in humans has been mixed: some studies reported positive results, while others showed no difference between the effects of CBD oil and placebo. However, a recent study from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado found that PTSD sufferers who took CBD reported a reduction in symptoms compared to those who did not take it.
Is CBD oil a good treatment for PTSD?
There is currently insufficient evidence to say for sure whether CBD Oil is an effective treatment for PTSD. Although research suggests that it may have some positive effects, more evidence is needed to get a more complete picture. Consequently, most medical professionals advise against relying solely on CBD Oil to treat PTSD and urge potential users to consult a certified health care provider before taking any action.
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That said, for many people, CBD Oil offers a safe and natural alternative to traditional drugs. As such, it is important to recognise its potential to help those suffering from PTSD. Used as part of a broader treatment plan, CBD Oil could prove to be a useful addition to existing treatments for PTSD.
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Conclusions