Although research has proven to be promising on the advantages of the CBD to relieve theanxiety, we are just starting to understand the relationship between cannabis and mental health. Psychotherapy and pharmaceutical drugs are generally recommended to treat bipolar disorder, a new study revealed that cannabidiol could have beneficial effects for affected people.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental disease characterized by extreme mood fluctuations, oscillating between episodes of deep depression and intense excitation phases called mania or hypomania. This condition affects approximately 2.8% of the French population, or more than 1.7 million people.
The different types of bipolar disorder
Several types of bipolar disorders exist. They may include mania or hypomania and depression. Symptoms can cause unpredictable mood and behavior changes, resulting in significant distress and difficulties in life.
Here are different types of bipolar disorders:
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Bipolar disorder I. You have experienced a maniac episode that can be preceded or followed by major hypomaniac or depressive episodes. In some cases, obsession can lead to a disconnection of reality (psychosis).
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Bipolar disorder II. You have had at least one major depressive episode and at least a hypomaniac episode, but never of a manic episode.
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Cyclothymic disorder. You have at least two years or a year in children and adolescents of multiple periods of hypomaniac symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (although less severe than major depression).
Other kinds. These include, for example, bipolar disorders and related Some drugs or alcohol, or due to a medical condition such as Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis or a stroke.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
Symptoms of depression:
- Deep sadness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Sleep and appetite disorders
- Fatigue
- Concentration difficulties
- Suicidal thoughts
Mania symptoms:
- Excessively high or irritable mood
- Hyperactivity
- Decrease in sleep need
- Grandiosity
- Impulsiveness
- Excessive expenses
- Risk behaviors
Diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder
The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made in individuals with episodes of depression and mania. It is crucial to question depressive patients on possible manic symptoms, such as excessive energy, a decreased sleep need, increased sexuality and high or irritable mood. Family members can often shed light on the patient's recent behavior. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve prognosis.
Approximately 70% of people Bipolar disorder damage suffer also of a anxiety disorder And more than half have a disorder linked to the use of substances. Personality disorders concern approximately a third of bipolar patients and 10% to 20% have a deficit attention disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD).
What are the treatments available for bipolar disorder
Medication, psychotherapy and other types of treatment are available for bipolar disorder.
Here is a summary of the different treatment options:
Medicine : Maniac and depressive episodes can be avoided by taking mood stabilizers such as lithium, valproate and lamotrigine. Acute symptoms are also treated by atypical antipsychotics such as quetiapine, aripiprazole and cariprazine.
Psychotherapy: Patients who receive cognitivo-behavioral therapy (TCC) can benefit from better management of their symptoms and better ability to detect the preliminary signs of manic or depressive episodes. In addition, psychoeducation and interpersonal therapy are beneficial.
Hospitalization : To ensure patient safety and stabilize their condition in the event of a serious crisis, hospitalization may be necessary.
Various methods: Some people find relief from their symptoms through additional interventions such as meditation, yoga or food supplements such as the cannabidiol, Adaptogenic mushrooms or even Neurotropes like psilocybin
The treatment should be adapted to each patient according to the severity of his symptoms, his reaction to drugs and his personal preferences. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment and long-term well-being, regular monitoring with a health professional is essential.
CBD and bipolar disorder: growing interest
The CBD, a non -psychoactive component of cannabis, arouses growing interest in its potential beneficial effects on mood disorders. Preliminary studies suggest that he could contribute to:
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Improve sleep quality
- Stabilize
Research on the effects of CBD on bipolar disorder
The researchers mentioned in the study, presented at the 2022 neuroscience conference, that cannabis consumption is already very widespread in people with bipolar disorder.
The question was, how useful CBD is to relieve symptoms?
To identify the effects of cannabis on bipolar people, researchers have recruited people with and without disorder, as well as cannabis consumers and non-consumers in each group, analyzing each combination.
Participants were tested on a cognitive battery measuring risky decision -making, reward learning and sustained attention.
In the end, the researchers confirmed that the cannabis could indeed have benefits individuals for bipolar, in particular by helping to reduce risky decision -making. Researchers also suggested that the cannabis reduced dopaminergic activity in the brain, which helps to delete symptoms, and discovered that cannabis had moderate effects on sensitivity to punishment and sustained attention.
Researchers have also cited previous studies, who suggest that some people with bipolar disorder have increased dopaminergic activity due to the reduction in the expression of the dopamine carrier. Because he has been shown that chronic cannabis consumption reduces dopamine release, chronic cannabis consumption could lead to a "return to dopamine homeostasis", which could in turn help to normalize their deficits in behaviors focused on objectives. They concluded that they were "engaged" in additional studies in order to explore this potential.
Researchers from the Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital and Tufts University have discovered a link between cannabis and the improvement of symptoms of bipolar disorder in 2018 clinical trial data, also confirming that cannabis has no negative impact on cognitive performance. They also found that cannabis consumption caused a reduction in depression, anger and tension scores.
More generally, a 2020 study Led by researchers from New Mexico University revealed that cannabis effectively treat the symptoms of depression. A 2020 report of BMC Psychiatry also revealed that whole plant cannabis and plant cannabinoids effectively improve mood and sleep, reduce anxiety And promote antipsychotic action.
Of course, we still have a way to go and much more to explore before plant medicine becomes the reference for mental health problems like bipolar, but studies like these say that we have the right idea .
CBD side effects for bipolar people
It is important to note that the CBD can interact with certain psychotropic drugs, such asabilify, by increasing their blood concentration. People with bipolar disorder should consult a health professional before considering the use of CBD, especially due to drug interactions and mental health effects
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is a complex but manageable disease. A better understanding of symptoms, processing options and CBD research can help people with living a more stable and fulfilled life.
