Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, and can occur at any age. Because of the numerous side effects caused by traditional antidepressants, many depressed people are looking for a natural solution.
Potential candidates include CBD oil, which is known and appreciated for its relaxing properties for some years now in France.
The aim of this article is to present objectively to what extent CBD oil can help people suffering from depression. But also to provide relevant consumption advice, in order to optimize the chances of results.
Table of contents
What is depression?
Although, technically, CBD oil can be useful in both cases, don't confuse a depressive phase or "blues" with a nervous breakdown. In fact, it's perfectly normal to experience moments of affliction following certain events or in certain circumstances.
A nervous breakdown, on the other hand, is a psychological illness that requires professional care.
Symptoms of nervous breakdown
A nervous breakdown closely resembles a heavy bout of depression, in that the person feels profound sadness and no longer interest for activities that were once pleasurable.
However, unlike a bout de blues, which is generally temporary and has a known cause, depression sets in long-lasting (more than 2 consecutive weeks), often without the person being able to identify the cause. Without appropriate treatment, depression becomes chronic and can last for years.
People suffering from depression generally have the sensation of living passively, of being there without being there. What's more, they also experience :
- Sleep disorderssometimes linked to a state of anxiety (which affects most depressed people);
- Chronic fatiguewhich may be the result of poor quality sleep or lack of physical activity;
- Difficulty concentratingDifficulty concentrating, due to lack of sleep or ruminating on ideas;
- Appetite disorderswhen the person channels his or her unhappiness into the way he or she eats (whether in excess or not);
- A certain vulnerability to diseaseThe immune system of depressives is weakened;
- Social isolationusually caused by the person him/herself, who does not want to surround him/herself;
And, quite often, sexual problems such as lack of desire, erectile dysfunction and so on.
The causes
There doesn't seem to be a specific cause of depression. Rather, it is a combination of triggers.
Depression can arise following a particular illness, the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, etc. But it can also be the consequence of a life event. But it can also be the consequence of a hormonal imbalanceparticularly of serotonin and noradrenalin levels.
Good to know
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays various roles in the functioning of our nervous system. Its levels influence pain, mood, sleep and appetite. It is also known as the "happiness hormone", as it induces a state of serenity.
Some studies also indicate that vulnerability to depression may be genetic in origin. Indeed, people who have a depressive parent are 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer from depression.
Treatments
People suffering from depression are advised to psychotherapy. Where necessary, antidepressants are also prescribed.
Medications from the SSRI family (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and/or SSRIs (selective serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitors) such as Prozac® are prescribed as a priority.
And if they prove ineffective, tricyclic antidepressants such as Anafranil®, Elavil®, Redomex® or Laroxyl® have long been the standard treatment for depression.
However, antidepressants are not effective in everyone, and taking them can have the following side effects undesirable effects such as drowsiness, weight loss/gain, libido problems, etc.
Why could CBD be effective against depression?
CBD oil is attracting increasing interest among people suffering from depression. Indeed, this cannabinoid is now known for its relaxing effects.
And although its mechanisms of action are still poorly understood, it is interesting to understand the extent to which CBD can be an effective natural antidepressant.
The endocannabinoid system and depression
To understand the link between CBD and depression, you first need to know what the endocannabinoid system is. the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
We are all naturally equipped with an endocannabinoid system, i.e. a set of receptors distributed throughout the body that interact with cannabinoids, including CBD.
Good to know
There are two families of cannabinoids:
- The cannabinoids we produce naturally in our bodies (AG-2 and Anandamide), known as endocannabinoids;
- And the cannabinoids synthesized in cannabis, such as CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, etc., known as phytocannabinoids.
Our endocannabinoid system interacts with both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids.
Some of our SEC receptors are located in the brain. They partly control the functioning of our nervous systemThat's why CBD (and cannabis in general) is so widely used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, as well as certain mental disorders such as depression.
According to some studies [1], endocannabinoid deficiency may be a trigger for depression, suggesting that the ECS is a neuromodulatory system capable of regulating emotional and motivational processes.
As a result, taking CBD could help stimulate the SEC, and thus restore the imbalance which is at the root of depression.
CBD and serotonin levels
The antidepressant effects of CBD have been observed in several rodent studies [2], [3].
In order to understand the mechanisms involved, scientists looked at the effects of CBD on levels of serotonin and noradrenalinthe neurotransmitters targeted by traditional antidepressants.
All the studies conclude that taking CBD does induce an increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels, suggesting that CBD oil may indeed function as a natural antidepressant, without causing side effects or addiction.
Of course, we must not lose sight of the fact that these conclusions concern pre-clinical animal trials. At present, there is no evidence that CBD also acts as an antidepressant in humans.
The potential benefits of CBD oil against depression
Potentially, CBD oil can act on the hormonal imbalance that causes depression. But this is not not the only benefit of CBD oil!
Indeed, the main role of the endocannabinoid system is to ensure a state of homeostasis. a state of homeostasisthat is, a state of equilibrium synonymous with good health, taking CBD oil could help reduce the intensity of many symptoms caused by depression.
Consuming CBD oil could thus help to:
- Rediscover better quality sleep and reduce the chronic fatigue that afflicts most depressed people. In fact, CBD can combat insomnia by increasing serotonin levels, which are intrinsically linked to sleep;
- If sleep quality is restored, then difficulties in concentration and lack of intellectual performance can also be expected to dissipate somewhat;
- CBD can also stimulate the immune systemwhich reduces the risk of disease while promoting a feeling of vitality and vigor;
Finally, as we said, CBD can provide a relaxing effect, helping to reduce feelings of sadness and anxiety.
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CBD oil for depression: what dosage?
The question of CBD oil dosage for depression is a thorny one, as CBD-containing products are not considered medicines, and as such, there is no official dosage.
On the other hand, dosage is always very personalbecause it depends on a whole host of factors inherent to each individual (age, weight, intensity of symptoms, medical background, etc.), not to mention the fact that we are not all equally sensitive to the effects of cannabinoids.
It is for these reasons that we recommend starting with an oil with a low CBD (between 5 and 10%) and consume 3 to 5 drops a day, either on a regular basis (outside of meals), or when the need arises.
If no results are observed gradually increase the dose (3 drops more every week or so).
Good to know
CBD has been proven safe in doses of up to 1500 mg/day in healthy adults. CBD oil is neither psychoactive nor addictive. However, slight side effects may be experienced, depending on the individual: drowsiness, stomach pains and changes in appetite.
In any case, if you have any doubts, don't hesitate to discuss them with a specialist, especially if you're on medication.
Our sources
[1] The therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system for the development of a novel class of antidepressants (PubMed)
[2] Antidepressant-like effect induced by Cannabidiol is dependent on brain serotonin levels (PubMed)
[3] The therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system for the development of a novel class of antidepressants (PubMed)