HEALTHIs CBD Useful For Treating Social Anxiety?
Mar. 17 2021, Updated 4:09 p.m. ET
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one among more than a hundred cannabinoids found in the cannabis family of plants. It is growing in popularity because of its potential therapeutic effects, which may be useful for treating the symptoms of ailments. Also, it is considered safe because of its lack of side-effects at normal doses, and it is not psychotropic like THC. The experience of users suggests that cannabidiol can be useful for treating anxiety disorders. In this article, we will investigate CBD uses for treating social anxiety, read ahead to know more about this.
CBD And Anxiety
Cannabinoids like CBD produce therapeutic effects like the anxiolytic effect by stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabidiol achieves this by interacting with CB1 receptors of the ECS, which are mainly found in the central and peripheral nervous systems. You must also know that the ECS regulates homeostasis and mood regulation is an important homeostatic function.
How To Know If You Have Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety is a common disorder that causes an unbearably anxious feeling in social settings. It can be triggered by different social settings, which range from prolonged eye contact, attending a party, or doing a presentation at a meeting or gathering.
Symptoms Of Social Anxiety
- Palpitation
- Dizziness
- Tension in muscles
- Breathing trouble
- Troubled stomach
Does CBD Help With Social Anxiety?
Several studies show that CBD can be useful for treating the symptoms of anxiety. Some suggest that it is a better option than pharmaceutical medicines due to its lack of side-effects, but this is not supported by many medical professionals due to the lack of conclusive evidence.
The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a key role in mood regulation. Low levels of this neurotransmitter cause issues like depression and anxiety disorders. The symptoms of these conditions are usually treated using a selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. CBD uses in treating anxiety is because it increases serotonin levels by acting as a reuptake inhibitor. Also, it positively influences the 5-HT1A receptor, which is a subtype of serotonin receptors. Having said that, cannabidiol is not used in conventional treatment due to the lack of studies.
How Much CBD Should You Take For Social Anxiety?
The three main factors that you must consider when taking CBD for social anxiety are the following: tolerance, concentration, and body weight. A person who has been using cannabidiol usually requires a higher dosage. The dosage also depends on the amount of CBD contained in a bottle of oil or tincture. Finally, a person who has more weight requires a higher dose of CBD and vice versa.
