Anxiety disorders affect approximately 4% of the global population, though the actual number is likely higher due to underreporting and misdiagnosis in various parts of the world and access to mental health professionals amongst different demographics. Characterized by intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations, anxiety can manifest through physical symptoms such as a fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and fatigue. Conventional pharmaceutical treatments often come with a slew of potential side effects and may not be effective for everyone. However, recent research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) products might offer a safer and effective alternative for managing anxiety.
CBD as a Potential Solution
In recent years, CBD has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for a variety of health conditions, including anxiety. A recent clinical trial conducted in India has provided promising evidence supporting the efficacy of orally administered CBD for anxiety relief. This study was detailed in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry.
The Clinical Trial: Methodology and Findings
The trial took place in Telangana, India, where an international team of investigators examined the effects of 150mg/mL of CBD versus a placebo in a group of 178 subjects suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. Over a period of 15 weeks, participants were administered either the CBD solution or a placebo.
The results were encouraging. Researchers observed that the CBD oral solution was not only effective in reducing anxiety symptoms but also demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability. Additionally, it helped improve related conditions such as depression and sleep disturbances. Importantly, there were no instances of withdrawal anxiety when the dose was tapered off at the end of the treatment period.
The study concluded that CBD exhibited superior efficacy compared to the placebo, achieving primary and secondary objectives effectively. The findings suggest that CBD could be a viable treatment option for various psychiatric disorders, either alone or in combination with other medications.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
These findings align with results from other clinical trials that have also reported the benefits of CBD in reducing emotional exhaustion, social anxiety disorder, and treatment-resistant anxiety disorders. The study titled "Evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of nanodispersible cannabidiol oral solution (150 mg/mL) versus placebo in mild to moderate anxiety subjects: A double-blind multicenter randomized clinical trial" provides a robust basis for considering CBD as a mainstream treatment for anxiety.
The positive outcomes of this trial pave the way for further research into the use of CBD for anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. As CBD products continue to gain popularity, their potential benefits could lead to a significant shift in how anxiety and related conditions are treated.
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders pose a significant challenge to global health, often going undiagnosed and untreated. Traditional pharmaceutical treatments, while helpful for some, come with many side effects and may not work for all patients. The recent clinical trial in India provides compelling evidence that CBD can offer a safe and effective alternative for managing anxiety. As research continues to explore the full potential of CBD, it may become an integral part of anxiety treatment, offering hope to millions of sufferers worldwide.
Note: the study was done with a CBD oral solution similar to Empower BodyCare CBD Drops, but not with our actual products. Although 1mL of Empower CBD Drops contains 150mg of CBD, they are different products. As such, we must provide the warning and disclaimer below. And as with all supplements or natural products, CBD interacts with certain medications. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider prior to taking any CBD product internally.
FDA Warning: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.