CBD for Depression - Can It Really Help?

The clinical relevance of depression is significant. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that well over 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Estimates for Germany suggest that between 5% and 10% are affected by a depressive episode at least once in their lives. Studies assume similar values for most other European countries.

Researchers today believe that the cause of depression is a combination of genetic and biological factors, as well as psychosocial influences. Against the background of increased biological/neurological vulnerability, fateful life events and trauma lead to the development of disease-specific symptoms. Both a person's biological "makeup" and the severity of external influences and traumas determine whether a depressed person manages to overcome the illness or whether the course progressively worsens.

Since depression is potentially life-threatening due to the frequent suicidal tendencies of those affected, relatively rapid treatment is usually necessary. However, a problem arises because places with psychotherapists are rare, and therefore, the administration of antidepressants is primarily intended to improve the symptoms of the disease. In recent decades, so-called serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been the treatment of choice. However, newer research shows that the benefits of these medications are questionable. This aligns with reports from affected individuals who do not experience relief from their symptoms even with the use of antidepressants.

It is undeniable that CBD for depression cannot eliminate the causes of the disease. Therefore, a cure in the medical sense is not possible. However, it should be noted that a cure is also not possible with conventional pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment methods. This is because the causes of depression often lie in traumatic experiences. Since these are biographical facts, they cannot be changed.

Therefore, only the most complete possible alleviation of symptoms is considered. In this context, experts speak of so-called remission. Accordingly, the optimal case for the use of CBD oil for depression would be the greatest possible remission of symptoms: increased drive, better sleep quality, increased self-esteem, and fewer negative thought spirals.

Hemp contains a variety of ingredients that are said to have the ability to make certain diseases more tolerable. CBD, as an extract from the hemp plant, primarily contains cannabidiol. Cannabidiol belongs to the cannabinoids and has anticonvulsant and anxiolytic properties. In addition, its intake can positively influence inflammatory processes within the body.

Some researchers assume that CBD can interact with the body's own endocannabinoid system, particularly with the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. CBD is said to stimulate the 5-HT1A receptor and encourage the brain to increase serotonin release. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that significantly influences our body and especially our brain activities.

Serotonin levels influence our mood, our appetite, our sleep-wake cycle, and are also involved in the activities of the limbic system. The limbic system plays a key role as the "emotional center" of the human brain and thus determines whether we experience joy, sadness, or other feelings.

Research in the field of cannabinoids is still in its infancy. While preclinical research has been conducted for many years, an increasing number of clinical studies on the effectiveness of hemp products have only been carried out in recent years. Ultimately, only clinical studies can accurately prove whether a certain active ingredient is suitable for alleviating the symptoms of a specific disease or even curing a disease.

Given this fact, it is not surprising that there is still little data available on the effectiveness of cannabidiol against depression, although promising studies have been conducted on rodents. However, the transferability of these results to humans is still questionable. Weidenauer et al. (2021) found that there is currently insufficient data to prove the effectiveness of CBD against depression (and bipolar disorders).

This means that, according to the current state of science, no statements can be made about whether CBD positively influences the symptoms of depression – however, these statements also do not imply that CBD is completely ineffective against depression or that an improvement in symptoms is solely due to the placebo effect.

To stay with the current state of research: That cannot be said yet. Since the research area concerning the medical effectiveness of hemp products is only just being explored, it will take some time until truly conclusive studies on the effectiveness of CBD oil for depression are available.

It should be noted here that CBD products are over-the-counter dietary supplements and not prescription medications prescribed by a licensed physician. If you suffer from depression and want to try alternative treatments, you should always discuss the use of these remedies with your treating physician. In the case of depression, this should be a medical professional with specialist training in psychiatry and/or neurology. We strongly advise against independently changing or discontinuing an established psychopharmacological treatment.

Antidepressants act on multiple sites in the brain and not only influence moods and feelings: the changes in brain metabolism also affect other organs, such as the heart and its rhythm. Please always discuss such topics and any wishes for changes in your medication with your doctor.

If you have heard from other patients or users in your environment that CBD has a positive influence on their depression, this may well be true. Many users of CBD oil report that taking the oil acts as a support, alleviates anxieties, and redirects focus away from negative thought spirals. Nevertheless, you should clarify this intention with your doctor, especially if you want to take CBD together with antidepressants.

There are no binding and uniform dosage recommendations, so existing advice is primarily based on the experiences of users dealing with CBD and depression.

User recommendations:

• For 5 percent oil, you take about 12 CBD drops per day for depression.
• For 10 percent oil, you take about 6 CBD drops per day for depression.

If you tolerate this dosage well and do not experience bothersome fatigue, you can slightly increase the dose after a few days. There is also higher-dosed CBD oil available. Which CBD oil you take for depression depends on your personal preferences.

It is recommended to take the CBD drops in the evening to avoid being limited in daily life by potential fatigue. Taking it in the evening can also improve sleep quality. Furthermore, it is advisable to talk to a doctor about the intake and dosage of CBD oil.

The effect of CBD on depression is not yet sufficiently scientifically proven, and it does not combat the causes of the disease. Nevertheless, many users report positive effects and improved general well-being after taking CBD. These reports include alleviation of anxieties, interruption of negative thought spirals, and a more relaxed basic mood. However, it is important to discuss the intake of CBD with a doctor, especially if other medications for depression are already being taken.