CBD & Psychosis: What Cannabidiol Can do?

Cannabidiol, better known for its short version of CBD, is a cannabinoid. More simply, it’s a molecule naturally produced by hemp plants (cannabis). Its chemical proximity to certain molecules produced by the human body allows it to have effects on our endocannabinoid system (ECS) (read more about the ECS here), distributed throughout our body and involved at many levels. Thus, the effects of CBD are many and varied. It is particularly studied for its neuroprotective effects and its ability to stimulate the production of new cells. It’s therefore logically considered within the framework of the support for neurological diseases.

We focus here on the role of CBD against psychosis, to what we know and to what still remains to be discovered before we can, perhaps, develop new treatments that are more effective and less burdensome for patients and those around them.

At Down to Earth, we sell premium hemp oil online in Australia. Yet, before buying hemp products or CBD oil online in Australia, you must consult your doctor first.

What Happens in the Brain of a Patient with Psychosis?

Let us first specify that an episode of psychosis isn’t always indicative of a mental illness. It’s estimated that approximately 3% of the population is confronted, at one time or another, with a psychotic episode. The psychosis appears to be caused by a problem with the deep and early connections of our brain, a bit like a complex electrical system whose different elements aren’t perfectly connected to each other.

At the time of the psychotic episode, the brain isn’t able to function properly and can no longer distinguish the fake from the real. The person who suffers from it can then experience hallucinations, delusions and incoherency. Psychotic disorders are numerous, and each one is accompanied by its specificities. There are broad ‘types’ however.

Main Types of Psychotic Disorders

• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective disorders (symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders)
• Paranoid delusions
• Hallucinatory psychosis
• Psychotic depression
• Brief psychotic episodes (similar to schizophrenia but in episodes of short duration)
• Psychosis induced by drugs, alcohol, or medication

Common Symptoms of Psychosis

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganization of thought
• Difficulties in communicating (oral and bodily communication)
• Mood changes
• Suicidal thoughts
• Sleeping troubles

Existing Treatments for Psychosis and Limits

The earlier the psychosis treatment starts, the more likely it can be effective. However, it often remains undiagnosed until relatively late in adolescence or even in adulthood. Some evocative signs can however be detectable from childhood, at a time when brain development isn’t yet complete. Early diagnoses are still too rare, however, and most patients are only taken care of when the brain already has well-established functioning habits.

The treatment usually associates pharmaceuticals, antipsychotics, and psychiatric follow-ups, in particular, to manage the patient’s depression, which is present in at least half of the cases. Unfortunately, many mental illnesses can’t be definitively cured, thus treatment consists of treating the main symptoms. Another major problem is that antipsychotics come with many side effects, sometimes just as troublesome as the initial issue. Approximately 15 to 20% of patients treated for several years with antipsychotics can develop late dyskinesia. It translates into involuntary movements in the mouth, arms, and/or legs. After consulting your doctor, you can buy pure CBD oil online in Australia from our store and try it.

CBD to Reduce the Symptoms of Psychosis

Let’s not raise false hopes: there’s no solid scientific evidence that CBD can treat psychosis disorders. However, initial studies show some opportunities:

• CBD can calm skin, yet inflammation plays an important role in psychotic disorders.
• Stress influences psychotic relapse, and even the triggering of the first psychotic episodes. Again, CBD is known for its relaxing and antidepressant properties.
• A 2021 study showed the ability of CBD to positively modulate certain areas of the brain implicated in psychosis (and that of THC to worsen these same disorders).
• Another study showed a tendency to decrease symptoms in schizophrenics treated with a dose of 1000 milligrams of CBD per day.

However, the existing studies are still too few and too small to draw definitive conclusions. Therefore larger-scale studies are still necessary in order to benefit from sufficient evidence of the effectiveness of CBD against psychosis. But consult your doctor, and you can buy pure CBD oil online in Australia from our store and try it.

Final Words

If you (or someone you know) suffer from psychosis and would like to try CBD, talk to your doctor beforehand! They will be able to advise you with full knowledge of your state of health, assist you in finding the right dosage, and avoid possible drug interactions, especially with antidepressants.

Once the decision has been made, all that remains is to find the right product. At Down to Earth, we sell premium CBD oil online in Australia. All our products are tested by independent labs to ensure their purity and high quality. Check the lab reports here.

If you have any questions or want more information, feel free to drop a comment or contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.