Does CBD Oil Help Schizophrenia?
The human brain is the most complex organ of the human body.
It is the fundamental distinction between humans and animals. This single organ that regulates life in all other parts of the body (except the heart), is undoubtedly the most mysterious organ of the body. In addition, scientists are yet to discover the true potential and working of this organ. This means the same for brain-associated disorders.
The true dysfunction in the brain is very difficult to isolate and identify. Consequently, it means that figuring out treatments for them is still on a trial and error basis. Even a minuscule problem in the circuit can influence a drastic alteration in a human as we know them. The slightest damage can culminate in the loss of memory, muscle activity, or a behaviour change. However, it is devastating that despite the technological advancement we have made over the years, we are yet to unravel the mysteries of the brain.
Schizophrenia—Causes & Risk Factors
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, expressions, and behaviour. Patients suffering from schizophrenia commonly experience hallucinations and delusions. Additionally, it is a treatable disease that is mostly stigmatized, and people suffering from it are discriminated against and maltreated by our society. However, there is no cure for schizophrenia.
Worldwide, 20 million people are suffering from schizophrenia. As per research, it affects both men and women equally. Furthermore, scientists could not identify even a single factor that causes schizophrenia. Researchers assume that it results from an interaction between the genes and some environmental, psychosocial factors. Therefore, as multiple factors may increase the risk of schizophrenia, the exact cause cannot be specified in each case.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Distortion in thinking, perception, emotions, disorganized speech, lack of motivation, and sense of self behaviour characterize schizophrenia. Patients have “episodes” when the disease is active, in which they lose their ability to distinguish between reality and imagination.
The severity, frequency, and duration of the symptoms vary from person to person. Commonly, schizophrenic people experience the following symptoms:
- Hallucinations: vividly hearing, seeing, and feeling things that are not there
- Delusions: firmly believing things that are not true as per one’s culture or are contrary to the evidence
- Strange, abnormal behaviour
- Incoherent speech
- Irrelevant speech
- Emotional disturbance, there is a disconnect in what they say they feel and their observed facial expressions
- Problems with attention and concentration
- Difficulties in memorizing
- A decline in educational performance
Treatment of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is an incurable disease and requires lifelong treatment. Even when the symptoms have subsided, patients have to continue their medication to minimize their symptoms.
A treatment plan comprising both medication and therapy can help the patient. A variety of antipsychotic drugs can reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Meanwhile, psychological treatments such as behavioural therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, and social skills training reduce stress, improve social skills, and aims at enhancing function.
Because of the harsh side effects of schizophrenia medications, patients are reluctant to take them. Moreover, psychiatrists try to obtain desired results using the lowest possible dosage of the medications.
Benefits of CBD Oil
As the demand for CBD is growing amongst the population, scientists have delved deeper into the effects and benefits of using CBD oil. Although large-scale studies and detailed researches are still lacking, the results of most preliminary studies are quite hopeful.
According to research, CBD has the following health benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Treats epileptic seizures
- Decreases the symptoms of PTSD
- Helps in withdrawing from substance addiction
- Eases symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Helps with chronic pain management
- Reduces muscle pain
- Protects from neurological disorders
CBD Oil and Schizophrenia
As research suggests, CBD is an effective treatment for multiple neurological and psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
Also, there is little evidence that suggests CBD oil has properties similar to those of antipsychotic drugs. Considering both the links, it is not a far-fetched idea that CBD oil may be an effective treatment for schizophrenia. However, schizophrenic people should not try this by themselves. Instead, they should work with medical experts who also have experience working with CBD.
Despite the appealing background of CBD oil as an effective drug, patients need to look at factors such as:
- the purity of the substance
- know the source and brand of the product
- ensure it doesn’t contain THC
- consume the prescribed dosage
- be mindful of the side effects
EndNote
We need more research on the efficiency of CBD oil as a treatment for schizophrenia, and the side effects it can induce. Also, patients should abstain from trying the substance without guidance from a medical professional.