Antipsychotic

Despite the multitude of treatments that are prescribed for cases of psychosis, using CBD as an antipsychotic is a topic that has aroused great interest among medical professionals and people seeking viable additions or alternatives to conventional treatment.

Psychosis is defined as a condition where the sufferer’s perception of reality becomes distorted. This can vary from mildly eccentric behavior, to more serious illness where a sufferer may become completely detached from reality. Characteristics of more serious psychosis include symptoms like hearing non-existent voices, being convinced that something exists when it does not, and suffering from hallucinations.
Paranoia and delusional behavior is also common, and these symptoms may be caused or worsened by the use of drugs or other mind-altering substances.

In some cases, psychosis may also be the result of a head injury, brain tumor, or even Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – in addition to a host of other illnesses which can trigger psychotic episodes.

The most common treatments for psychosis usually entail the administration of antipsychotic drugs in addition to psychotherapy. However, pharmaceutical intervention can become problematic in the long term, with the risk of side effects.

Now, research is beginning to show that treating psychotic episodes with CBD may be a viable addition or alternative to traditional medical treatment – while being safe and free of side effects.

A study conducted in 2019 conclusively demonstrated the effectiveness of CBD as an antipsychotic option and indicates that CBD is an extremely safe and sustainable method of treatment.

(View the study here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2045125319881916 )

Most pharmaceutical treatments stimulate the body’s production of Dopamine, the hormone which induces a sense of relaxation and contentment. However, prolonged use of these drugs can lead to a form of dopamine dependency and a diminishing rate of return in terms of the treatment’s effectiveness.

In comparison, CBD has been found to follow a completely different molecular pathway, and instead of stimulating Dopamine production, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system within the body – which means that it directly provides a regulatory effect to the nervous system. This carries no side effects, and the effectiveness of the interaction does not diminish with repeated doses of CBD.

It also means that CBD can also be used alongside conventional treatments, safely and without the risk of adverse effects due to chemical interactions.

The use of CBD as an antipsychotic is an area of study that holds great potential, and it offers a completely natural and safe option for the treatment of psychosis.

Please note: if you suffer from psychosis, or are currently receiving treatment, please consult with your healthcare practitioner before making use of CBD or any other treatment.