Cannabis Nurse Medical Reviewer, Lashonda Broom
RN & HHP
Many of us have experienced a sense of panic at different points of our lives. Perhaps we didn’t study for a big test, we may have gotten called into the boss’ office after screwing up a project, or were experiencing a traumatizing situation, like a car accident. While panicking may be relatively common when you are in an upsetting or dangerous situation, panic attacks are something else entirely.
Panic attacks do not happen because a person is confronted with something dangerous or upsetting. They happen out of the blue, and could occur almost anywhere, like when driving a car or walking down the street. They are often accompanied by physical symptoms that can be so severe that many people believe that they are experiencing a medical emergency.
If you suffer from panic attacks, you know firsthand how hard it can be to manage this condition. You may also be curious about alternatives to traditional treatments for panic attacks, such as CBD. Below, we outline some of the research on the use of CBD for panic attacks and panic disorder to help you make a decision about whether or not CBD is right for you.
Understanding Panic Attacks
Understanding Panic Attacks
Panic attacks entail sudden episodes of intense fear, often with no identifiable trigger, accompanied by severe physical symptoms. While not life-threatening, they significantly impact an individual’s well-being.
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
Symptoms of panic attacks vary but commonly include fear of loss of control, rapid heart rate, trembling, shortness of breath, sweating, and chest pain, among others. These symptoms can be so severe that emergency medical care is sought.
Impact and Complications
Panic attacks can lead to debilitating fear of recurrence, causing individuals to avoid triggering situations. This avoidance behavior can lead to complications such as phobias, social isolation, depression, and substance abuse.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of panic attacks remains unknown, though genetics, stress levels, brain function changes, and sensitivity to stress are believed to play a role. Risk factors include family history, trauma, major life stressors, and childhood abuse.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis involves a physical exam and psychological evaluation to rule out other causes. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and medications, including antidepressants and benzodiazepines, to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Is CBD a Good Option for Panic Attacks?
Traditional Treatments for Panic Attacks
The current standard treatment for panic attacks involves prescription medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. However, these medications often come with side effects and potential for addiction, with a significant portion of patients not finding relief from antidepressants in controlled trials.
CBD as an Alternative Treatment
CBD, a compound found in cannabis plants, has emerged as a potential alternative treatment for panic attacks. Unlike THC, CBD does not induce a “high” and has been studied for its health benefits, including stress and anxiety management.
Research on CBD and Panic Attacks
Studies suggest that CBD may impact areas of the brain related to panic disorder, such as the amygdala. Research published in Current Neuropharmacology in 2017 found that a single dose of CBD reduced brain activity associated with panic attacks and may increase serotonin levels, which regulate mood.
Promising Results and Future Research
CBD does not produce psychoactive effects or induce dependence, making it a promising option for panic disorder treatment. However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness and safe dosage for panic attacks.
Potential Benefits of CBD
Analysis in 2015 suggested that CBD has strong potential in treating anxiety-related disorders, including panic disorder. Animal studies have shown that CBD can inhibit certain brain responses associated with panic attacks and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Wrap Up
While research indicates the potential of CBD in managing panic attacks, further studies are necessary to understand its mechanisms and establish safe and effective doses. CBD may offer hope for individuals seeking alternatives to traditional medications for panic disorder treatment.
Considering CBD? Green Wellness Life Is Here To Assist You
Green Wellness Life is committed to offering safe CBD products that have been independently tested for quality. We only sell the highest-quality CBD products, made from industrial hemp that is grown in the United States. While we are not medical professionals and cannot diagnose or treat any medical or mental health issues, we can lay out the scientific research on the use of CBD for you to review.
If you are interested in trying CBD, we are here to assist. Our product finder can help you choose the right products for your needs. If you want further assistance, you can also call us at 866-244-4223 or email us at any time.
If you have ever had thoughts of suicide, there is help available. Please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. You can also find them at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Sources:
- ADAA- Panic Disorder
- Mayo Clinic- Panic attacks and panic disorder
- National Library Of Medicine- Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse
- NIH – Pharmacological management of panic disorder
- NIH- Evidences for the Anti-panic Actions of Cannabidiol
- Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
- Pub Med-Intra-dorsal periaqueductal gray administration of cannabidiol blocks panic-like response by activating 5-HT1A receptors