Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes the person afflicted to have panic attacks that seem out of the blue. This can be very debilitating making it terrifying to go places, talk to people, or do activities. Because this disorder runs off fear overwhelming the brain, cannabidiol may be a beneficial treatment.
Cannabidiol works so well with panic disorder because of its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Panic attacks come from when your brain is overwhelmed with fear, and your brain is sending as many warning signals it can even if it can't process them. CBD elevates an endocannabinoid called anandamide which helps reduce the number of signals being transmitted and helps calm the brain down.
Endocannabinoids have an interesting role to play in the endocannabinoid system by how they interact with cannabinoid receptors. While most neurotransmitters travel to the sending cell to the receiving cell, endocannabinoids travel backward through a process called retrograde signaling. This gives the endocannabinoids the ability to communicate with the sending cell and help mediate the information being sent out.
The Attacks
When you have panic disorder, the one thing that plagues your mind is when your next attack is going to be. Because they happen when you least expect it and pump your mind with fear, it leaves a mental scar that looms over you throughout the day. It can make you avoid going places where you’ve had an attack, even if it’s somewhere like work. Because your cortisol levels can be high when you wake up, people can awaken to an attack before they even start their day.
These sudden panic attacks can last for several minutes or even longer and they come in all shapes an sizes. Some people completely black out when they get too anxious, others may start to hyperventilate and sob. Considering that anger is a product of fear, it’s no surprise that some people also throw tantrums or get violent when they start to feel their anxiety rise.
How Does CBD Work?
Cannabidiol can help with panic disorder by regulating your brain chemistry through the previously mentioned interaction with the endocannabinoid system. When you have this anxiety disorder, your fear response is much more active, and your fear memory is very strong.
Cannabidiol enhances the endocannabinoid anandamide which sends signals to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in charge of your neurological system. Its message is to tell the neuron sending out neurotransmitters to stop over activating the receiving cell, so your brain isn’t so overwhelmed by the feeling of fear.
Studies have also indicated that CBD can help with the response from the amygdala. The amygdala is involved with the emotions that you feel, including your fight or flight response. Cannabidiol has shown in studies that it may be able to help reduce the response from this part of your brain, helping to reduce anxiety.
Cannabidiol's anti-panic effects have also been linked to its interaction with serotonin receptors in the dorsal periaqueductal gray. This area of the brain plays a role in our fear response as well.
How To Take CBD For Panic Disorder
If you suffer from panic disorder, CBD tinctures and e-cigarettes could help you stop the attack when you feel it coming. Many report that in just minutes they are washed over with a fresh, calm, and collected mindset. Taking edibles or CBD pills can help you handle your mind throughout the day, making panic attacks less likely. The best part about CBD is that unlike other anxiety medications, it is nonaddictive, there is no lethal dose, and you won't build a tolerance to it. Stop by our shop to try CBD today!
